• Release year: 2023
• Director: Chris Pine.
• Producers: Ian Gotler, Patty Jenkins, Chris Pine and Stacey Sher.
• Screenplay by: Chris Pine and Ian Gotler.
• Cinematography by: Matthew Jensen.
• Music by: Andrew Bird.

Shotgun Commentary: an LA-based mystery with a quirky, clumsy protagonist. Kinda like Last Looks (2021), but with less violence.

Review

Poolman is remarkably similar to Last Looks (2021): a shaggy-looking man living in a caravan gets tangled in a web of conspiracies and corruption. Both films present a comedic version of LA crime movies, utilising the same self awareness that made Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) one of the best crime comedies out there. Still, Poolman manages to differentiate itself from these films and, indeed, crime films in general, by neglecting one of the main elements of the genre: violence.

Light and peaceful

Fighting, blood, and murder are key elements on any crime feature. In fact, they are so ingrained in the genre that you won’t even realise their omission until you notice your own shock at the sight of blood. This happens way into the film and, even though there are weapons and the hint of an altercation on screen beforehand, the story manages to keep a pretty innocent atmosphere until that moment. The sense of safety that is established throughout makes this moment even more impactful, completely changing your attitude towards the narrative.

It is not common to combine comedy and intensity quite so flawlessly. Usually, you end up with some sort of bittersweet, chucklesome-but-not-really movie that rips your heart out more than anything. Yet, the combination of silly and sad used in Poolman feels like a whole new brand of dramatic comedy altogether.

Entertainment and fun with a side of societal critique blend into a mystery that is definitely curious enough to make you want to follow it, but won’t take a piece of your soul with it. At a time when all films seem to be very keen on making their audiences cry, it is an immense relief to watch a film that just wants to tell you an interesting story without feeling the need to make you face some weird inner demons you didn’t even know you had.

A pool man’s priority

Still, Poolman manages to get a few relevant messages across, the main one being, at least for this writer, the inability of most people to listen to each other. Contrary to most LA-based films, this feature doesn’t take the easy route. Rather than focusing on how superficial and Botox-infused Angelenos can be, the narrative moves in a more universal direction, showcasing self-absorption, not as a result of being incredibly artificial, but more so as a natural trait developed by all sorts of people.

The main character, Darren Barrenman (Chris Pine), is the biggest display of this attitude, focusing solely on his feelings and interests and merely interacting with others when he deems it beneficial for his own ends. Is he a bad person? Not really, but, like most of us at one time or another (or all the time in plenty of cases), he is so focused on his own struggles that he forgets to make space for other’s feelings and interests.

Aren’t we all?

The feature doubles-down on it when his girlfriend, Susan (Jennifer Jason Leigh), accuses him of acting like that, while also acting with complete disregard for his feelings. Is this because she assumes he doesn’t care, or is she kinda the same? That is up to each spectator to decide, but considering their first conversation, the scale is tipping towards the second theory.

All the characters present different levels of self-absorption, making the film fascinating in the way it manages the greys, as well as hilarious due to the ridiculous conversations and situations that take place due to this trait. Moments that are so close to reality that one can’t help but feel somewhat exposed and incredibly amused at the same time.

All in all, Poolman is a wonderful directorial debut by Chris Pine. Along with Ian Gotler, he delivers a thrilling story that keeps you guessing and amused to the very end. The weightlessness of the mood being a great addition to a genre that can feel a bit too much for many, without completely quitting the most over-the-top moments that characterise any LA crime film.

Thanks to Signature Entertainment for the early access! Poolman will be available in the UK on Digital Platforms on December 30th.

Advice to take from this movie:

• Everything is better with Danny DeVito in it.
• Sometimes it’s worth it to shut up and really listen. And no, looking at someone while you are thinking about something else is NOT listening.
• You don’t need to add a heart-breaking tragedy to make a good movie.

What’s your take? Have you watched Poolman? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀