This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
Similar to the classic “Nightmare Alley”, Pearl provokes the theory of class destiny — and more.
On the surface, both X and Pearl seem to be the story of an elderly woman driven mad by a lifetime lacking fulfillment — and a young woman headed down the same path within the first installment. (Quite literally as both Maxine, elderly Pearl, and young Pearl are played by the same actress, Mia Goth.)
While this certainly holds true, it’s only a sliver…
A staunch and meticulous woman’s story that quickly unravels into a feverish, neon-lit exploration of the mind’s true capabilities — especially when faced with trauma.
This film perfectly encapsulates the hysteria surrounding slasher/horror flicks in the 80’s and drives home some hard-hitting questions for the viewer to sit with. It has beautiful cinematography, but does waste the potential of some excellent sets.
It scratches several itches, but doesn’t quite flesh things out as well as I’d hoped. I was left wanting more despite being a huge fan of open-ended films.
Overall, worth the watch & very enjoyable.
This is a film that twists into itself so effortlessly, by the end you forget where you started. The characters are palpable and horrifyingly human. The premise is believable and deeply unsettling. The nudity/sexual content has merit, rather than being gratuitous. Mia Goth & Alexander Skarsgård deliver incredible performances & chemistry, but there truly wasn’t a “sore spot” for any actor in the film. I laughed, I jumped, I cringed — and I left knowing this would be something I’ll be seeing & dissecting for years to come.
Take a break from the traditional horror movie & dive into Infinity Pool - you won’t regret it.
Alex Garland created a decent film with Annihilation that sadly squandered opportunities the books handed him on a silver platter — and followed suit with this half-baked attempt at understanding womanhood.
Most of the film seems to be compensating for his lack of actual perspective on women’s issues with shock & pretentiousness.
I had high hopes for about half of the movie, but the remainder just screams “woman battered, men bad” in a generic way, likely in hopes he’d tap into…
