Being based in the UK, in a rather modest area, I have never experienced a pool party before.
For us Brits, we often see them depicted in American films, where people who seem like they have everyday jobs have an obscene amount of land and stunning houses.
Another trope is that the parties often involve entitled teenagers and something goes awry. In Ellie Stewart’s Pool Party, Freya is feeling a little left out of the titular party, having forgotten her bathing suit. Whether she has body issues or this is genuine, this doesn’t wash with some of the attendees having sly digs at her.
During a session of truth or dare, Freya has had enough and confronts the girls, whilst plotting her escape.
It turns out she may have different tastes than birthday cakes…
Pool Party has a dreamy quality to it, giving us the vibe not everything is as it seems but having said this it does have a payoff that may catch some viewers off guard.
Pool Party screens as part of Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2023.
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