Swimming Pool: A Dip into Mystery and Intrigue

So I’m sittin’ there, fika in hand, pondering on this little film called Swimming Pool. If you’ve ever wondered what a lazy summer in the South of France might look like, but with a splash of suspense, then oh boy, this is your jam!

Charlotte Rampling, who’s been in more films than I’ve had meatballs, plays Sarah, a crime novelist with a bit of writer’s block. She retreats to her publisher’s (played by Charles Dance… I know, right?) gorgeous villa. But, as things go, tranquillity is short-lived when Ludivine Sagnier, who perfectly encapsulates youthful carefree chaos, sort of crashes the party. It’s like watching an IKEA build go wrong, unexpectedly entertaining!

Director François Ozon, with his distinctive touch, gives us this slow-burn tension. You know that feeling when you’re picking mushrooms in the Swedish woods and suddenly you realize you’ve wandered too far? Just like that.

I won’t spoil it, but the film’s twists make you question your own assumptions. Why do we always expect Rampling to play cool and collected? It’s refreshing to see her unravel a bit.

Here’s a quirky memory: back in ’03 when this movie was hot in cinemas, I was on a trip by the Göta Canal. The serene water reminded me of Ozon’s film, the surface calm but you just knew there were stories waiting underneath.

Are you into character-driven stories with a hint of mystery? Well, then grab a kanelbulle, a cup of coffee, and prepare for a Swedish-style kvell! But hey, if you’re more into explosions and high-paced action, maybe sit this one out. It’s a film that asks you to pay attention… something I probably should’ve done in school more often.

Overall, Swimming Pool is a moody plunge into the murkiness of the human psyche. You might just find yourself hooked, line, and sinker—pun intended!

Check the trailer below