The Swimming Pool

The Swimming Pool is a French-Italian film released in 1969, directed by Jacques Deray and featuring Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, and Maurice Ronet. Set in the stunning backdrop of a luxurious villa in the French Riviera, the movie revolves around two estranged lovers who reunite for a holiday, only for their relationship to be flipped on its head.

The story follows Jean-Paul (Delon), a successful writer who is taking some time out from his busy schedule to relax at a friend's villa in the French Riviera. Once there, he is surprised to find that his publisher's daughter, Marianne (Schneider), has also been invited along for the holiday. The two characters have a complicated history and used to have a passionate love affair, but their relationship ended badly, and they have not seen each other since.

Initially, their reunion is polite but tense. But things take a dramatic turn when Marianne's former lover, Harry (Ronet), unexpectedly arrives. He is a brash, charismatic figure and his presence stirs up old passions, leading to a complex web of secrets, lies, and desires that threaten to unravel the fragile equilibrium.

As tensions escalate, Jean-Paul finds himself struggling to make sense of the situation and his feelings for both Marianne and the enigmatic Harry. Meanwhile, Marianne herself is drawn to Harry's carefree, hedonistic lifestyle, causing her to question her feelings for Jean-Paul.

What follows is a mesmerizing psychological drama, with gorgeous cinematography that captures the beauty of the Mediterranean environment, while underscoring the subtle, simmering emotions between the characters. The Swimming Pool is a masterclass in ambiguous storytelling, where no one seems to be who they appear to be, and every moment drips with tension.

The film delves deeply into the human psyche, exploring topics such as love, jealousy, and betrayal, and how they can lead us down paths we never intended to take. Throughout the movie, the characters' internal struggles and external actions blend seamlessly, creating a complex portrait of relationships, with a twist ending that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

The Swimming Pool is also worth noting for its stunning performances. Delon and Schneider, two of the most charismatic and beloved French actors of their generation, share captivating chemistry on screen, which heightens the emotional stakes of each scene. Meanwhile, Ronet commands an unforgettable presence, showcasing a range few actors could match.

Overall, The Swimming Pool is an underappreciated gem of a film. It is a tense, evocative exploration of the human condition, with richly drawn characters and a twisting, unpredictable plot that will keep viewers guessing until the very end.