An impressive feature from documentary filmmaker Chris Smith, which tells the story of Venkatesh, a teenage hotel cleaner whose desire to swim in a rich man’s pool changes the shape of his future.
Reviews
“A young man’s curiosity to see how the other (wealthier) half lives is the gentle mainspring of documaker Chris Smith’s lovely feature debut, The Pool. […] A surefire critical success and a certain title on festivals’ wishlists, the film emerges as one of the best narrative competish works at Sundance this year.” Robert Koehler, Variety
“It’s hard to think of a more welcome piece of American filmmaking. ****” Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out (New York)
“What Smith and his collaborators have accomplished is to connect an utterly foreign world to our own lives. Smith’s restrained, sympathetic direction and first-rate acting from all four leads give the picture a conviction and poignancy that are often missing from independent films. Low-key and small-scale, The Pool nevertheless finds a lot to say about hope and loyalty. In a very unforced manner, it ultimately turns into a wise and heartbreaking fable.” Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International
“Bottom Line: A deceptively simple, deeply moving gem of a film” Chicago Sun-Times
“Uplifting without a drop of sap, the tale of a boy’s obsession with a glittering swimming pool and how it changes four lives offers numerous pleasures and one of the most satisfying and resonant conclusions to be seen in recent cinema.” Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter
“Extraordinary! Sneaks up on you and stays with you long after you’ve left the theater.” Liz Braun, Toronto Sun
“Few have gone as far, or achieved such impressive results, as Chris Smith in The Pool.” Michael Hardy, Boston Globe
Awards
Sundance Film Festival ’07 – WINNER
– Special Jury Prize Dramatic (Chris Smith)