Following on the critical acclaim of 2020’s POSSESSOR, Toronto Filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg, son of legendary David Cronenberg, follows-up with INFINITY POOL. The Sci-Fi Horror which he writes and directs just premiered at Sundance to warm reception.

Starring Alexander Skarsgård (who also serves as Executive Producer) as James Foster, who ventures to a resort with his partner Em (Cleopatra Coleman). They then discover a culture of brutality, greed and violence. James is seduced by an unhinged woman named Gabi (Mia Goth) and he is faced with a choice to be executed or watch himself die.

We’ve never seen anything like this. You’ve been warned.

A tremendous privilege getting to chat with Cronenberg, Skarsgård, along with Toronto screen veterans Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale) and John Ralston (Ginny & Georgia) as the Red Carpet was rolled-out for the shocker’s Toronto Premiere. Our Amanda Gilmore joined them for a chat.

Amanda Brugel describes her character Jennifer for us.
Brugel: “I play Jennifer, I’m one of the people at the resort who takes full advantage of what it’s like to have a lot of money, doing a lot of bad deeds. I go there with my husband a lot. It’s wealthy people behaving badly and privilege without having respect for anyone else. I usually play people who are a little more grounded, more kind or altruistic. I really wanted to go the other direction and get paid to be a jerk.”.

John Ralston, supported at the Premiere by his family, sheds some light on his Dr. Modan.

Ralston: “My character is Dr. Modan. There’s a group of six of us who move through this Film and provide a great foundation for Mia Goth‘s character, who lures Alexander Skarsgård‘s character James Foster into this group and embarks on this wild introduction to this no-holds-barred, hedonistic journey that this group takes him on. This group comes back year after year and when you watch the Movie, you’ll see why.”.

Brandon Cronenberg takes us through his Sundance experience, where he also premiered Possessor.
Cronenberg: “We went to Sundance, nothing weird happened at all, and then we went to Sundance again! It felt really good to be back at a live festival with people again after the Pandemic. I’m a hermit and don’t like being surrounded by people even, but being around people who love films and presenting it to a warm crowd was pretty exciting.”.

Cronenberg is asked about the first thought that inspired INFINITY POOL.

Cronenberg: “The scene early on that’s kinda an execution scene where someone’s been doubled and the double is standing in for them in this execution. Stop here if you don’t want any Spoilers. That was actually the beginning of it. It was actually a short story I was working on, it was that scene where someone was watching themself. The resort and stuff came after as I was developing it.”.

Alexander Skarsgård just made it into Toronto amidst our snowstorm, from New York, landing on the tarmac and onto the Red Carpet at Scotiabank Theatre. He signed-on to star in and produce the Film while he was working on The Northman. This role is what he calls a perfect follow-up after prepping two years for that Film.

Skarsgård tells us about his magical experience at Sundance.

Skarsgård: “It was an experience I’ll never forget. It was 48 crazy hours, non-stop. We did the Midnight Madness screening, which I hadn’t done before, where you screen it at midnight and do a Q&A at 2:30 in the morning. It was the first time I’d watched the Movie on a big screen with an audience. I couldn’t sleep when I got back. The room was vibrating. It was a very memorable experience.”.

He explains what it is about INFINITY POOL that made him want to sign-on also as an Executive Producer.

Skarsgård: “From the moment I read the Script and met with Brandon, I really believed in the project. And I really love Brandon and wanted to do whatever I could to help promote the project and push it. It’s rare to come across such a unique talent like Brandon and a crazy, wild story. Sometimes there’s such a conformity when you read a Script and it’s derivative. This Film’s so crazy, unique and anarchistic in a fun way.”.

Everybody is talking about Mia Goth‘s spellbinding performance as Gabi. Skarsgård has nothing but raves for the star of the X Trilogy.

Skarsgård: “Mia‘s the best. She’s so lovely and sweet, a real dream to work with and obviously supremely-talented. And a perfect Gabi because she has such a sweet, innocent demeanour. And then the character’s so fucked-up – pardon my French – and goes unhinged in such a crazy direction. That’s really, really interesting in this Movie.”.

A Gallery of Snaps:

See our Chat (11-minute version):

6-minute version:

Elevation Pictures release INFINITY POOL January 27, 2023.

Our Review here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Elevation Pictures)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to the Toronto Premiere of INFINITY POOL on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 7pm, Scotiabank Theatre. The screening will include a special Q&A with Brandon Cronenberg & Alexander Skarsgård. 

Synopsis:

While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime: either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you can watch yourself die instead.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please indicate your City in the comments. Re-Tweet the below also for another chance!

Rules and regulations here.

Note: Winners will only be contact via a direct message from our official account. Do not respond to third-party comments or messages asking you for your personal information.

Elevation Pictures release INFINITY POOL January 27, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Brandon Cronenberg is back with INIFINITY POOL. Here’s a first glimpse of the official Trailer.

Synopsis:

While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero-tolerance policy for crime: either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you can watch yourself die instead.

Elevation Pictures release INIFITY POOL January 27, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

By Amanda Gilmore

Ti West brings us back to the killer farm from his hit slasher X, but this time to tell us the origin story of psycho-biddy Pearl (Mia Goth).

The Film takes place decades before X, in 1918. The war is happening in Europe and influenza has swept its way across America. Because of this, Pearl has been trapped and isolated on her family’s farm tending to her ill father (Matthew Sunderland) and enduring her cruel, controlling mother (Tandi Wright). However, Pearl has had enough of her life on the farm and dreams of becoming a star. She wants her new life so bad, that she’ll kill for it.

Co-Writers West and Goth have brought us a riveting character study of a murderess. Pearl is mesmerizing from the first moment we see her. West and Goth have achieved creating a sinister character we feel conflicted by. This tug-of-war with our emotions works due to the insurmountable performance from Goth. Her full commitment makes us sympathize with a psycho-killer. Both her performance and the script give Pearl depth that causes us to relate.

However, we are constantly shown how her short fuse leads to merciless acts of violence. And the kills in this one are to die for. There are pitchforks, axes, and that alligator from X is back — waiting patiently for its feed. But again, West and Goth humanize their murderess. And even after everything we’ve witnessed her do, an enthralling monologue makes us empathize with her suffering. Goth is outstanding in both the psychotic moments of her character and the starry-eyed dreamer. She truly gives a tour-de-force, masterclass in acting.

Not only is the story tightly written, but the overall film is thoughtfully put together. Everything is shot with a vibrant Technicolour hue from Cinematographer Eliot Rockett, and the whimsical score by Tyler Bates gives classic Hollywood vibes. Therefore, bringing us into the world of 1918 and Pearl’s stardom dreams.

You don’t have to watch X to have a devilishly good time watching Pearl. However, they are the two halves that make a killer whole and complete a wicked double feature.

Pearl screens at TIFF ’22 as follows:

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON at Royal Alexandra Theatre at 11:59 pm

Tur, Sep 13 IN-PERSON at Cinesphere IMAX at 9:30 pm

VVS Films releases PEARL in cinemas Friday, September 16, 2022.

We loved X so much and how amazing is it that the Prequel is on its way already? Those of us attending TIFF will be so lucky to see it first!

Synopsis: 

Filmmaker Ti West returns with another chapter from the twisted world of X, in this astonishing follow-up to the year’s most acclaimed horror film. Trapped on her family’s isolated farm, Pearl must tend to her ailing father under the bitter and overbearing watch of her devout mother. Lusting for a glamorous life like she’s seen in the movies, Pearl’s ambitions, temptations, and repressions all collide, in the stunning, technicolor-inspired origin story of X’s iconic villain.

VVS Films release PEARL September 16, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

From the same people who brought us HEREDITARY comes X. See the new Trailer for this bloody good time. All they wanted was to have a good time, make a little movie!

VVS Films release X March 18, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: A24/VVS Films)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

After a storm causes short circuits at her place of work, Ana (Grace Van Patten) wakes up on a mysterious island. She quickly finds herself among an army of girls — Marsha (Mia Goth), Bea (Havana Rose Lui), and Gert (Sono) — who are in a never-ending war. The leader of the pack, Marsha, explains that Ana was sent there because of the sexist experiences and assault she endured. The four women spend their days luring men to the island through false mayday calls to hunt them.

Writer-Director Karen Cinorre has created a feminist Fantasy film with a beautiful setting and compelling visuals. There is an alternate reality feeling to the island. A place where women can seek revenge on those who have wronged them. Cinorre creates conflict on this idyllic island by throwing in the good guys with the bad. When Ana realizes that not all the men are a threat tensions heighten between her and the war-intent Marsha.

Marsha is the standout character and Goth gives a commanding performance. She’s at her best when butting heads with Van Patten over the altering views. Same goes for Van Patten who is great as the level headed Ana. The rest of the ensemble, which includes a minor but memorable role from Juliette Lewis, is strong and play well off each other.

Although the Film drags at times, Cinorre gets her message and questions surrounding empowerment across. Additionally, she’s got a strong creative flair that brings her feminist message to a reimagined war-fantasy.

Mayday screens at Sundance:

Live Premiere: January 31 at 3 PM (EST)

On-Demand (available for 24 hours): February 2 at 10AM (EST)

SUSPIRIA already is one of our favourite Films of 2018. We just know it without having seen it.

Synopsis:
Susie Bannion travels to Markos Dance Academy in Berlin, after which the artistic director, Madame Blanc, becomes fascinated with her dancing skills. After a series of mysterious disappearances among the students, Susie, her new friend Sara, and the elderly psychologist Jozef Klemperer find out the school may harbor dark secrets that could kill them all.

For now we can savour this haunting Trailer for the Horror-Thriller Remake starring Tilda Swinton and Dakota Johnson!

Watch it below:

Check-out Thom Yorke‘s (Radiohead) SUSPIRIUM from the Film below:

AMBO Films release Suspiria is in theatres Friday, November 2, 2018 in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. It expands November 9, 2018 in other cities.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Studios)

20th Century Fox x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto a chance to see  A CURE FOR WELLNESS.  The Screening takes place Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas.

Synopsis:
An ambitious young executive (Dane Dehaan) travels to the Swiss Alps to retrieve his boss from a “wellness spa,” only to find that his boss has vanished. He is then trapped in the facility, and begins to realize that its staff have a far more wicked plan than to simply improve the health of their patients. While held at the spa, he encounters a young girl named Hannah (Mia Goth), a longtime spa patient who is oblivious to what horrible things the spa director has prepared for her.

As the young man’s sanity is tested, he discovers that he has been diagnosed with the same outlandish illness that keeps all the patients at the spa hoping for a cure.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.

20th Century Fox Canada release A CURE FOR WELLNESS Friday, February 17, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)

One of the most controversial and daring Films of 2014 certainly is Lars Von Trier‘s NYMPHOMANIAC and now is your chance to own a copy of the fast-selling DVD!

Official Synopsis:
Recounting the erotic journey of self-diagnosed Nymphomaniac Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg). After being rescued by a stranger following a beating in an abandoned alley, Joe shares her unlikely stories with her charming savior.

NYMPHOMANIAC stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, Willem Dafoe, Mia Goth, Sophie Kenney Clark, Connie Nielsen, Udo Kier, Jens Albinus and Nicolas Bro.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook!  Share with your friends on Facebook and increase your chances!

Mongrel Media releases NYMPHOMANIAC on DVD, Blu-ray (also available on iTunes, Digital & Video-On-Demand) Tuesday, July 8, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)