Review of The Pool (2001) by Jonathan B — 10 Jun 2010

Uptight and depressed crime author, Sarah Morton, is given the chance to spend the spring in the south of France staying at home of her publisher, John. The calming surroundings and glorious weather begin to work their magic on her until her peace is shattered by the arrival of John's nymphomaniac daughter Julie. What unfolds is a complex drama where the two women become dependant upon each other in very different ways.

Charlotte Rampling is superb as the repressed author who seems at first to be falling apart before finding strength and understanding. Ludivine Sagnier plays wild-child Julie with the right amount of grit and vulnerability. Francois Ozon does seem to be able to direct women with a great understanding and here, the idyllic setting and sultry atmosphere are used to great effect. The final scene is perhaps a little strange, if not down right weird but this is a sensitive movie that is a cut above the usual thriller.