Watch La Piscine

La Piscine is a 1969 French-Italian film directed by Jacques Deray and starring Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, and Maurice Ronet. The film is set in a stunning villa located in a remote part of the South of France, where a young couple- Jean-Paul and Marianne- are spending their days in sensual isolation. The film opens with the couple lounging around the luxurious pool in the scorching sun, surrounded by the stunning architecture of the villa. The quiet and serene atmosphere is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Harry, a former lover of Marianne's, played by Maurice Ronet. His presence immediately sends a ripple through the couple's carefully constructed routine, as Harry takes every opportunity to remind Jean-Paul of his past relationship with Marianne.

As tensions escalate between the three characters and the heat becomes unbearable, the dynamic between them shifts and morphs in unexpected ways. Marianne begins to gravitate towards Harry, drawn to his carefree attitude and alluringly dangerous energy. Meanwhile, Jean-Paul becomes increasingly possessive and territorial over Marianne, fueled by jealousy and resentment towards Harry.

The complex relationships between the three main characters slowly come to a head, as the gorgeous setting and the simmering heat only intensify their emotional turmoil. The conflict builds to a stunning and shocking climax that leaves the audience unsure of what to expect or hope for any of the characters.

At its core, "La Piscine" is a stylistic character study and a psychological thriller that explores the dark underbelly of passion and desire. The film is a slow-paced and quietly observed exploration of the intricate dynamics of a love triangle, unfolding with an almost voyeuristic attentiveness to the characters' emotional and physical backgrounds.

Director Jacques Deray's attention to detail is evident in every frame of the film. The villa, with its glass walls and sparkling swimming pool, becomes its own character in the movie, inspiring both sensuality and danger. The seductive scenery serves as both an extension and a reflection of the three main characters, defining their interaction and their individualities.

The film's acting is also impeccable. Alain Delon gives a masterful performance as Jean-Paul, perfectly capturing the character's simmering brooding intensity, inner anger and frustrated desires. Romy Schneider shines in the role of Marianne, deftly transitioning from vulnerable to manipulative and back again. Finally, Maurice Ronet offers a memorable portrayal of Harry in a layered and ambiguous way, the charm of his character concealing a growing hostility that he directs towards Jean-Paul.

"La Piscine" is a masterpiece of French cinema, a symphony of lust, longing, and jealousy that is as beautiful as it is disturbing. The film's intense and complex portrayal of the human psyche is a testament not only to the artistry of its director and cast but also to its unflinching observation of the human condition. It remains a timeless classic, retaining its power to move and captivate audiences with its evocation of the dark side of human desire.

La Piscine is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 76.