Pools is the type of movie that sneaks up on you. At first, it feels like a teen comedy straight out of the early/mid-2000s – offbeat humor, quirky direction, and youthful recklessness. However, it’s obvious from the start that beneath the surface, director Sam Hayes is aiming for something higher. Clearly influenced by John Hughes, Hayes soon shifts the tone into a heartfelt coming-of-age story about grief, identity, and learning to chase the passions that make life worth living.
The film follows Kennedy (Odessa A’zion), a college student still reeling from the death of her father the year before. She’s failing her classes and is about to be kicked out, despite her promising start. Instead of processing her grief, she escapes from it both mentally and physically, gathering a group of students to break into the backyard pools in the rich neighborhoods around their school. What starts as a distraction becomes a journey of self-discovery, as Kennedy confronts the pressures she places on herself – and the expectations others have of her – while trying to figure out who she wants to be.
A’zion fully embodies the role of Kennedy, giving her grief and vulnerability the same weight as her moments of recklessness. She makes Kennedy feel raw and lived-in, fully believable from start to finish.
Michael Vlamis (Roswell, New Mexico), as air conditioner repairman Michael, is also a standout, balancing goofy charm with real depth. Not only could Vlamis have chemistry with a brick wall, but the role also allows him the opportunity to play both comedy and drama, excelling in both. He and A’zion are definitely the hearts of the film.
The supporting cast isn’t necessarily as fleshed out, but there are still fun moments. Ariel Winter (Modern Family) gets to show a different side of herself as Delaney, and her chemistry with A’zion is strong enough that my friend leaned over and whispered, “I ship them.”
Hayes (or, let’s be real, it was more likely Vlamis) also found ways to incorporate Easter eggs into Pools, like the Malex art from Roswell, New Mexico, seen behind Vlamis during a scene with his roommates, which literally made me gasp and point in the movie theater!
While the film’s early eccentricity may not land for everyone, the quirkiness has a purpose, hinting at the deeper story bubbling underneath. When the shift comes, it feels earned.
And, on a lighter note, it has to be said: there are a lot of butts in swimsuits in this movie. So many butts. If that’s your thing, Pools has you covered, as it were.
While Pools may not reinvent the genre, it ultimately succeeds in being not just another teen movie. It’s about grief, growth, and the messy process of figuring yourself out. And thanks to strong performances and Hayes’ heartfelt direction, Pools delivers a splash.
