A young woman enrolled in summer school courses decides to attempt to reconnect with her dead father, and herself, over the course of a crazy night of pool hopping.
Aimlessness in youth is something that always resonates in a film when it’s done correctly. Stretching back for decades, school and rebellion is a theme that has been done to death, and yet still feels fresh every time it’s revisited. Enter POOLS, which manages to give us a truly modernized take on angst, individuality, and our overall sense of belonging in a world that asks us to fit a mold instead of being ourselves. But the best part about it? It’s absolutely hilarious how it addresses such strong themes. From the very opening scenes, there’ll be something for everyone to laugh at, and combined with a super unique stylization, POOLS is one of those films that you have to see in order to fully get it.
Sam Hayes has a visual flair unlike any other, and he brings his own story to life through a lens that feels like Napoleon Dynamite on steroids. The comedic style and individualistic framing just works here, with the directorial vibe being so integral to the film’s identity that you simply can’t imagine anyone else taking the reins. This is Hayes’ movie, through and through, and his vision is clear starting from the script all the way to post production. And when it’s not being riotously funny, it’s somehow amazingly heartfelt and endearing, too, touching on an almost John Hughes level of familiarity and understanding.
With huge props going to Odessa A’zion for her performance in the lead role, the film is fully brought together by her incredible talent and relatability, combined with her expressive face that’ll have you both laughing and crying. She’s just phenomenal here, and I fully believe she’s deserving of being a “one to watch” in Hollywood. Joined by an equally comedic and so sexy it hurts performance by Michael Vlamis, who had me in tears with almost every scene he appeared in, and balanced out with Tyler Alvarez’s emotionally steady best friend character, the entire cast is wonderful from top to bottom, and everyone is truly believable in their parts. Not to mention Ariel Winter and Mason Gooding are also fabulous, though that’s to be expected from those two.
The color palette is just beautiful, too, with cinematography by Ben Hardwicke that paints a portrait of suburban America in a modernized time capsule. The blues and pinks are vibrant in a way that feels like a treat for the eyeballs, and every scene feels polished and well thought out. Combined with the score by Cody Fry, every layer of the film is nuanced and put together, and I couldn’t help but miss the world in which the film is set the moment the credits started rolling.
POOLS takes an age-old concept and breathes new life into it, while also giving me some of the best laughs I’ve had from a film in quite some time. It’s new, it’s fresh, and it has a lot to say while making your cheeks hurt from giggling.