RIOTUS

Kennedy (Odessa A’zion) is a girl on the edge of falling through the cracks. She’s a college student whose grades are tanking, her class attendance is nonexistent, and she’s given just one day to pull her life together or be expelled. On one particularly lazy, hazy day of summer, her AC unit has broken, and she needs a way to cool off—which takes her and her gang of misfit friends on an electric night of adventure through the lavish neighborhood of her college town in search of the perfect pool to swim in. 

Written and directed by Sam Hayes, POOLS is an enigmatic watch; the cinematography is gorgeous in its indie aesthetic, with the blue-hued underwater shots of Kennedy, along with its eclectic soundtrack and an original score by Cody Fry, setting a dreamlike tone. It also echoes the carefree comedic nature of its predecessors, from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to Booksmart, with just a hint of plot from The Bling Ring (but far more introspection).

Odessa A’zion carries the film well, bringing depth and charisma to her character; Kennedy is lovable and funny but often reckless and messy, looking for anything that will distract her from the trauma she’s been through. Her friends each have their own struggles and motivations—from the up-for-anything but surprisingly gentle Reed (Mason Gooding) to the too-cool Delaney (Ariel Winter), the straight-laced Blake (Tyler Alvarez) to the crushing-hard Shane (Francesca Noel). The cast bounces off each other with great chemistry, and they each sell their strengths in the quiet moments.

But Kennedy’s true parallel in this film is Michael (Michael Vlamis), the air conditioning repairman; offbeat and charming, he has some wacky ideas but sees the world in a way that’s utterly refreshing. Michael’s storyline intertwines with Kennedy’s in surprising ways, and their journeys and choices are reflected back at one another. Their interactions form the beating heart of the film and are a joy to watch.

The explorations of grief are subtle yet profound, wrapped up in a coming-of-age narrative that is poised to cement POOLS as a touchstone for the new generation. It takes the time to explore the pressure that builds up from feeling too much, and of not knowing what comes next. On the other end of the spectrum, it highlights the thrill of letting go, even if just for the night, even if it means saying goodbye to who you once were. 

There’s also a comedic wink to the film that accentuates the bizarre events of the pool-hopping night and will make you reminisce about the wild freedom of college life. You’ll soon find yourself lost in its intoxicating haze. 

POOLS is a little outlandish, it’s a lot of fun, and it is emotionally moving; it’s the kind of story that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and you’ll take something different from it with each re-watch. And if that ain’t the mark of a classic coming-of-age film, then I don’t know what is.