As a seasoned movie buff with a deep appreciation for the intricacies of psychological thrillers and black comedy, I’ve seen my fair share of films that attempt to balance both genres. Dakota Gorman’s “The Girl in the Pool” is certainly an interesting addition to this niche, but unfortunately falls short of delivering a cohesive and engaging experience.
“The Girl in the Pool” is more of a comedy with slapstick elements than a serious thriller. The film’s intent to be humorous is questionable. While director Dakota Gorman draws inspiration from Hitchcock’s “Rope,” concealing a crucial character in a trunk during a social gathering and leaving a killer among the guests, the resemblance stops there. Instead of feeling the tension or fear for our protagonist’s mental state, viewers are left with a shallow viewing experience meant to be mocked or appreciated for its absurdity. For those who enjoy the film’s scandalous plot twists, they are guaranteed an enjoyable time.
Thomas, a timid office supervisor played by Freddie Prinze Jr., appears to have it all: a decent career, a spacious suburban house, two well-behaved teenagers Alex and Rose (Tyler Lawrence Gray and Brielle Barbusca), and a devoted spouse Kristen (Monica Potter). However, he harbors a clandestine relationship with Hannah (Gabrielle Haugh), a younger woman. During their last secret rendezvous in the backyard, tragedy strikes as Hannah is found dead, floating face-down in the pool, her head bleeding severely. With his family arriving home imminently, Thomas, in a state of terror, conceals Hannah’s lifeless body amongst the aging neon foam noodles and ring floats inside the pool supplies box near the house.
Thomas’ misfortune takes a turn for the worse when Kristen unexpectedly announces a surprise birthday party for him at the crime scene, inviting all his closest friends and work associates. Among them is Thomas’ contentious father-in-law William (Kevin Pollak), who harbors deep disdain for Thomas and arrives with a barrage of insults. The question of why William would attend a party honoring someone he detests only adds to the enigma. Amidst Thomas’ desperate efforts to prove his innocence, he finds himself giving pep talks in front of mirrors and sifting through a few leads. However, as the partygoers congregate around the storage chest, using it as a makeshift make-out spot or drug den, Thomas braces himself for a long and chaotic evening filled with reckless indulgence and heightened anxiety.
As a movie-loving first-person narrator, I’d describe it this way: In “Gimmick Movie,” directors Gorman and Jackson Reid Williams throw one gimmick after another at us. The story begins with the main character, Thomas, in the midst of things, frantically cleaning himself in the shower after a bloody incident. The narrative doesn’t follow a straightforward path but jumps back and forth in time. Although it’s not confusing, these flashbacks mainly serve up awkward moments, like hearing Thomas’ friend call him a “Beta,” which adds little to the present storyline. The dialogue between Thomas and Hannah can be quite outlandish as well, with their kissing scenes accompanied by ridiculously loud lip-smacking sounds. Moreover, seemingly irrelevant events, such as Hannah’s home tour where she destroys Kristen’s belongings, make us question the film’s perspective since Thomas is oblivious to her devious actions.
At certain points, Gorman and Williams exploit the humorous aspects of Thomas’ precarious predicament. A prime example is when he grabs a big decorative vase after hearing strange noises outside, only to be startled by unexpected party guests. This sequence sets the stage for Thomas’ unexpectedly serious action during the film’s absurd finale, where he brandishes a gun. Prinze excellently portrays the comedic elements, particularly in the scene where he successfully persuades his crew to return to the party after being caught smoking weed on Hannah’s makeshift casket. Additionally, this moment serves as a homage to the unsupported sink scene in Darren Aronofsky’s “mother!” and highlights the filmmakers’ unique take on anxiety and nervous laughter. Furthermore, the sudden transition from Thomas’ cocaine-induced confusion, where his children observe him behaving like a captivated cat before the DJ’s light machine, is a standout moment in the film’s insanity.
Despite their efforts, the filmmakers fall short in building an effective sense of suspense. The supposed hostile relationship between Thomas and his friends Randall (Jaylen Moore) and Mike (Michael Sirow) doesn’t develop past initial introductions. The clandestine exchanges between Alex and Kristen don’t provide sufficient context for us to believe they are fueling Thomas’ growing suspicions. Potter and Prinze, who previously shone in the romantic mystery “Head Over Heels,” are let down by the shallow script; their chemistry fails to ignite. Additionally, it’s hard to accept an unexpected turn by William later in the movie, as his motivations seem unexplored.
In terms of visual and auditory storytelling, “The Girl in the Pool” is richly crafted with intricate details. For instance, the sound design subtly shifts from clear stereo to muffled mono when the protagonist’s mind drifts away from present conversations, immersing us in his growing paranoia. Additionally, during moments of chaos, Gorman and her team skillfully combine the visuals and sounds, showcasing Thomas’ mounting stress through a series of quick, disjointed images and reverberating echoes that mimic tinnitus.
In films with a light-hearted tone, hitting the right note is crucial. When filmmakers miss this mark, despite their cast’s earnest delivery of cheesy lines and overused plot devices, the movie struggles. Sudden shifts between comedy and drama can be problematic, especially for thrillers. Audiences often find themselves rooting against the protagonist instead of for him when the film maintains a lighter atmosphere. However, Gorman’s disappointing conclusion takes a step back by borrowing from “Fatal Attraction” in a clichéd manner. Despite its flaws, “The Girl in the Pool” still manages to elicit chuckles, keeping viewers engaged in its bizarre and intriguing narrative.
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2024-07-26 16:46