Brandon Cronenberg’s latest movie, Infinity Pool, left viewers in awe due to various jarring, confusing, and outright absurd moments prevalent throughout the film. In an attempt to unpack all of this film’s craziness, here are some explanations for some of the biggest lingering questions. Spoilers Ahead!
Why are clones of the characters being created?
In the film, the audience’s initial introduction to the cloning capabilities of the criminal justice system is a result of a tragic accident caused by the main character James Foster, played by Alexander Skarsgård. His recent acquaintance, the mysterious Gabi Bauer, played by Mia Goth, advises James that his “best” course of action is to avoid the police and pretend like the crime never happened. Quickly, however, James is taken into police custody and provided an option only proposed to rich people which allows his body to be cloned in an effort to avoid execution. He agrees and then bears witness to a replication of himself being brutally stabbed and murdered by the victim’s son. After being thrilled by the gruesome scene James searches to replicate this feeling. As a result, he becomes involved in a group of demented criminals led by Gabi. There it is revealed that the cloning abilities of the criminal justice system are being exploited by the group to avoid any punishment for their corrupt and unruly actions. Beyond exoneration, Gabi exploits the police further to create a replica of James, unbeknownst to him, that he must defeat to complete his “transformation.”
Why does James go along with Gabi’s group?
Originally James joins in on the acts of hedonism and deranged behavior as a result of the previous enjoyment he received from witnessing the execution of himself. He also has an initial chemistry with Gabi which he becomes interested in pursuing further behind the back of his wife Em. At the start of the group’s criminal endeavors, James seems eager to join in, putting on a mask and sauntering off into the night. He participates in an attempted execution and plays along with various other self-fulfilling pleasures, continuously only reprimanded by the execution of his clone. However, following a revelation that a man he was abusing was a clone of himself, he makes the decision to flee the group and return home. As a result, the zero tolerance policy of the group went into effect, he was no longer able to escape and was now forced to abide by the wishes of Gabi or face his own demise.
Why does James miss his flight at the airport?
As the final moment of the film reveal, James intentionally misses his flight and returns to the resort grounds in the peak of the rainy season. This ending is intentionally up for interpretation, however, our reading of this moment suggests that James’ life and morality has extended beyond the point of return. His corrupt mind has shifted him into a person who can no longer live within the lifestyle he previously enjoyed. He speaks with his wife on the phone explaining his expected return but comes to the realization that he can no longer be who he once was. His final moments either suggest his eventual return to the immoral activities of Gabi’s friends or rather his helpless and astray sense of self. Perpetually trapped in the thunderous reality of his actions.
Why does James breast feed from Gabi?
There are various references to James’ childlike state throughout the film with the most blatant representation being James’ voluntary decision to breast feed from Gabi after successfully murdering the dog clone. This shockingly disturbing moment in the film intends to symbolize his rebirth into immorality. Although his previous behavior throughout the film suggested his ultimate descent into evil, the symbolic moment in which James is forced to defeat his clone communicates to the viewer that his transformation is complete. This graphic scene is immediately followed by a moment in which Gabi breastfeeds James, a visual depiction of his new childlike state of corruption.