A night of chaos: ‘The Girl in the Pool’ review

A comedic thriller with a twist

The Girl in the Pool is a film that dances on the edge of comedy and thriller, delivering a blend of sitcom-style antics and psychological tension. Directed by Dakota Gorman, this Hitchcock-inspired narrative explores themes of marital infidelity and family disintegration, drawing loose parallels to classics like “Rope.” However, the similarities end there. Whether the film intends to be humorous or not is up for debate, but it undeniably offers a viewing experience that can be both mocked and embraced for its outrageous twists.

The perfect life unraveling

Thomas, played by Freddie Prinze Jr., appears to have it all: a stable job, a beautiful home in the suburbs, two well-behaved teenagers, Alex (Tyler Lawrence Gray) and Rose (Brielle Barbusca), and a loving wife, Kristen (Monica Potter). However, beneath this facade lies a secret affair with a younger woman, Hannah (Gabrielle Haugh). The plot thickens when Hannah is found dead in Thomas’s backyard pool, her body bearing a suspicious head wound. In a panic, Thomas hides her body in the pool supplies trunk, setting the stage for a night of escalating chaos.

A surprise party gone wrong

The situation spirals out of control when Kristen surprises Thomas with a birthday party at their home, inviting friends and colleagues, including Thomas’s antagonistic father-in-law, William (Kevin Pollak). William’s presence adds another layer of tension, as he openly despises Thomas. The party guests, oblivious to the hidden corpse, use the storage chest as a spot for making out and doing drugs, further complicating Thomas’s efforts to maintain his composure and innocence.

Non-linear storytelling and comedic undertones

Gorman and screenwriter Jackson Reid Williams employ a non-linear narrative, beginning with Thomas frantically scrubbing away evidence in the shower. Flashbacks provide context but often add cringe-worthy details rather than clarity. The film’s comedic undertones shine through in scenes like Thomas’s pep talks in front of mirrors and his attempts to manage the party guests. Freddie Prinze Jr. excels in these moments, particularly when he convinces his friends to return to the party after catching them smoking weed on Hannah’s makeshift coffin.

Aesthetic choices and tonal shifts

Visually, The Girl in the Pool employs various techniques to enhance the protagonist’s paranoia, such as internalized sound design and Dutch angles. These elements, combined with rapid flurries of imagery and sound, effectively convey Thomas’s escalating stress. However, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, frequently shifting between silly and serious. This inconsistency undermines the suspense and makes it difficult for the audience to fully invest in the characters’ plights.

Character dynamics and missed opportunities

The film’s character dynamics, particularly between Thomas and Kristen, lack depth. Their interactions fail to generate much spark, and the antagonistic relationship between Thomas’s friends, Randall (Jaylen Moore) and Mike (Michael Sirow), stalls quickly. Additionally, secrets between Alex and Kristen are not developed enough to fuel Thomas’s suspicions convincingly. Despite the ensemble’s straight-faced delivery of hokey dialogue, the film’s clichéd scenarios often fall flat.

A regressive conclusion

The Girl in the Pool takes a regressive approach, drawing inspiration from films like “Fatal Attraction” in predictable ways. While the film’s form may be lacking, it still manages to elicit laughter and keep viewers engaged in its absurd journey. For those who appreciate a blend of comedy and thriller, this film offers a unique, if not entirely successful, viewing experience.

For more information and to watch the trailer, visit The Girl in the Pool.

Personal reflections:

As a cinema enthusiast, I found The Girl in the Pool to be a fascinating experiment in genre-blending. The film’s ability to oscillate between comedy and thriller, while not always successful, provides a refreshing take on the psychological thriller genre. Freddie Prinze Jr.’s performance stands out, particularly in scenes where he navigates the absurdity of his situation with a mix of desperation and humor. While the film’s tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped character dynamics detract from its overall impact, it remains an entertaining watch for those who enjoy a good laugh amidst the tension.

For fans of psychological thrillers with a comedic twist, The Girl in the Pool is worth a watch. Its unique approach to storytelling and aesthetic choices make it a memorable, if flawed, addition to the genre.