Pools

Pools, the 2025 indie darling, is a film that defies expectations and dives deep into the heart of what it means to discover yourself through loss. What starts as a laid-back hangout comedy quickly transforms into an emotionally resonant coming-of-age story that will leave you in tears.

Pools is an instant Chicago cult classic in the making. Director Emily Ting masterfully navigates the tricky waters between genuine laughs and heartfelt drama. The cast is a revelation, led by breakout performances from the magnetic Odessa A'Zion and the charming Michael Vlamis, who are destined for superstardom. And let's not forget the ever-delightful Suzanne Cryer, who adds her signature warmth and quirkiness to every scene.

Pools is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. It's a film that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply. Highly recommend!

Deeply adored this. I love how instantly weird it was 🤣 Perfect vibes, John Hughes Sixteen Candles Superbad but absolutely current and consuming and fresh. Can't wait to rewatch. And I can NOT believe this is someone's first film. All the flowers for Sam Hayes. And Air Conditioner, baby, You're a Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

"Pools" clearly wants to be a John Hughes film for a new generation, but its quirky vibe is more irritating than endearing. This movie is like that person you know who thinks they're way funnier than anyone else does.

Which is a shame, because the film has a lot of raw material to work with. There are some nice performances, especially by Odessa A'zion and Michael Vlamis, both of whom are asked to be goofy cartoon versions of themselves at the movie's start but both of whom grew on me as they were allowed to flesh out more mature characters. There are some genuinely touching moments as we watch the main character come to terms with the grief she feels over losing her dad. There's some down-with-the-rich messaging that's always welcome to this viewer. And there's an attempt to give us an original and idiosyncratic voice.

But unfortunately, the sum never rises to the quality of some of its parts. Frankly, I just felt too old for some of it. Like I'm supposed to think angsting over who's kissing who is dramatically riveting? But I don't really think it's primarily an age thing, because I've seen plenty of films aimed at younger generations that I've responded to quite a lot. I think it's more due to the way the material is handled. I'd be curious to see where this filmmaker goes and would give later pictures a shot to see if they mature.

Grade: B.

Went to see this movie at a Drive-In theater in central PA. Pools is the kind of film that reminds you why cinema exists in the first place. It's more than just a story... it's an experience. The director masterfully blends quiet intimacy with raw, unfiltered emotion, making every scene feel both haunting and breathtaking. The cinematography is absolutely stunning; the water imagery becomes its own character, reflecting everything from serenity to tension. The performances are remarkable, with each actor delivering layered portrayals that feel deeply human. There's no wasted dialogue-every word, every glance carries weight.

What makes Pools extraordinary is its balance: it's artful without being pretentious, emotional without being manipulative, and gripping without relying on clichés. The pacing is deliberate, but never dull-it keeps you absorbed.

-JMac.

Forced to be home sick with the flu, I came across this indie gem Pools, Odessa A'zion is always fantastic, so it was an easy start to watch someone so skilled and familiar.

As a movie fan in general, if a movie moves you in anyway emotionally, that's a winning ingredient.

Pools did this in so many ways, it took me back to the John Hughes era, in no way a copy or fake, just a fond old place to be taken to, as soon as you see Kennedy's first interaction with another student, you can see the homage to John Hughes.

I'm a real sucker for coming of age movies, watching the bonds being made and the other characters stories and growth, it never loses the focus of the main characters journey and her self discovery.

Pools touches on loss (which almost all of us have experienced) building new relationships, overcoming fear and grief, freeing ourselves from what we are told is the norm, summer nostalgia, those nights we will never forget that turned us in a certain direction.

I laughed, I cried and even sat there feeling blue with the flu, it absolutely changed my mood, I was uplifted and so happy to have stumbled across this movie, hence - just what the doctor ordered, or they should do.

I hope more people get to see this movie when it's streaming, my only regret is I just wish I could've seen it in the movies.