Pool

Directed by Noah Hundley and Carson Wycherly

Warning – This review contains spoilers.

Pool is a fast-paced comedy that follows three friends—Charles (Tate Quist), Doug (Tanner Hall), and Fletcher (Abe L)—as they throw an epic pool party that spirals out of control. The chaos reaches its peak when the trio wakes up the next morning to find a dead body floating in the pool. As they scramble to clean up the mess and hide the body before Charles’ parents return home, the film takes viewers on a wild ride filled with stress, quick thinking, and humorous moments.

The chemistry between the three leads is one of the film’s strongest elements. Tate Quist, Tanner Hall, and Abe L bring their characters to life with a natural camaraderie that keeps the comedic tension high. The frantic pacing of the clean-up operation combined with their witty exchanges ensures that the audience is engaged from start to finish. The inclusion of Alex Lambson as the dead body floating in the pool adds to the absurdity, and the film doesn’t shy away from leaning into the ridiculousness of the situation.

On the positive side technically, the rapid cuts and editing during the clean-up scenes are effective in heightening the sense of urgency as the boys race against the clock. The cinematography, especially the slow zoom on Charles at the beginning and the shot following the mom’s return, adds depth to the comedic timing. However, some aspects of the lighting felt a bit lackluster, particularly in the more static scenes, which could have used more dynamic lighting to enhance the party atmosphere. The sound design is solid, with dialogue clear throughout, and the sound effects, though minimal, contribute to the overall humor.

While the plot itself is simple and familiar—a group of teenagers trying to clean up before the parents come home—the film makes good use of this well-worn trope by infusing it with strong comedic elements. The rapid-fire pacing keeps the story moving, and the visual gags are well-timed, particularly during the chaotic clean-up sequences. The film’s short runtime limits its ability to fully explore the humor, leaving some of the jokes feeling underdeveloped. There’s potential here, but it sometimes feels like the film rushes through its most comedic moments.

Pool doesn’t break new ground in the comedy genre, but it delivers an entertaining and light-hearted experience. The chemistry between the actors and the absurdity of the situation make it an enjoyable watch, even if the humor doesn’t always land. The setting—a house left in disarray after a party—has been seen many times before, but Pool manages to bring its own spin to the formula, especially with its humorous twist involving the dead body in the pool.

Pool is a fun, fast-paced comedy that capitalizes on the chemistry between its lead actors and its frantic pacing to keep audiences entertained. The film’s quick editing and humorous situations ensure that viewers will enjoy the ride. Fans of light-hearted party comedies will likely appreciate the film’s energy and charm, even if it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.