Swimming Pool

2003

Swimming Pool

Critics Consensus

A sensual thriller with two engaging performers demanding our undivided attention.

83%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 153

67%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 29,840
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Swimming Pool Photos

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Movie Info

Sarah Morton is a famous British mystery author. Tired of London and seeking inspiration for her new novel, she accepts an offer from her publisher John Bosload to stay at his home in Luberon, in the South of France. It is the off-season, and Sarah finds that the beautiful country locale and unhurried pace is just the tonic for her--until late one night, when John's indolent and insouciant French daughter Julie unexpectedly arrives. Sarah's prim and steely English reserve is jarred by Julie's reckless, sexually charged lifestyle. Their interactions set off an increasingly unsettling series of events, as Sarah's creative process and a possible real-life murder begin to blend dangerously together.

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Cast

Charlotte Rampling
as Sarah Morton
Ludivine Sagnier
as Julie
Charles Dance
as John Bosload
Marc Fayolle
as Marcel
Jean-Marie Lamour
as Franck
Mireille Mosse
as Marcel's Daughter
Michel Fau
as First Man
Jean-Claude Lecas
as Second Man
Emilie Gavois Kahn
as Waitress at Cafe
Erarde Forestali
as Old Man
Lauren Farrow
as Julia
Sebastian Harcombe
as Terry Long
Frances Cuka
as Lady on Train
Keith Yeates
as Sarah's Father
Tricia Aileen
as John Bosload's Secretary
Glen Davies
as Pub Barman
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Critic Reviews for Swimming Pool

All Critics (153) | Top Critics (40)

  • Ozon simultaneously manages to make his film lazily sexual and crisply suspenseful.

    Aug 8, 2003 | Rating: 3/5

    Jay Boyar

    Orlando Sentinel
    Top Critic

  • Two parts psychological thriller and one part pretentious French art-house head-scratcher that leaves you mumbling, 'Duh.'

    Aug 6, 2003 | Full Review…

    Rex Reed

    Observer
    Top Critic

  • Swimming Pool offers something few other movies this summer can match: A dreamy, intoxicating sensuality.

    Jul 21, 2003 | Rating: 2.5/4

    Rene Rodriguez

    Miami Herald
    Top Critic

  • The story occasionally wanders, but Swimming Pool is definitely worth a dip.

    Jul 19, 2003 | Rating: 4/5

    Bill Muller

    Arizona Republic
    Top Critic

  • A delectable and daring psychological drama.

    Jul 16, 2003 | Rating: A-

    Eleanor Ringel Cater

    Atlanta Journal-Constitution
    Top Critic

  • Think of it as a box of chocolates, with Sagnier being the chocolate-covered cherry. And you know the problem with chocolates: They're great to eat but they offer no nourishment whatsoever, and afterwards you feel guilty for the indulgence.

    Jul 11, 2003 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

    Peter Howell

    Toronto Star
    Top Critic
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Audience Reviews for Swimming Pool

  • Jan 09, 2016
    An absorbing and highly stimulating film that intriguingly dissolves the barrier that separates reality and fiction to tell a strange story about that point of an artist's creative process when she has to search inside herself to reach that sparkle of inspiration that eludes her.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Nov 28, 2013
    A slow-burning French thriller with more than enough tension and mystery, Swimming Pool is thoughtful and surprising at every turn and features two fantastic performances from Charlotte Rampling and French actress Ludivine Sagnier.
    Joey S Super Reviewer
  • Mar 25, 2013
    Ozon creates such a wonderful world for Charlotte Rampling to play in with twists and turns that may or may not be real. A cracker of a film.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Jan 09, 2013
    An author vacations at her publisher's French summer home and meets his daughter, a brazenly promiscuous young woman who becomes the subject of her new novel. Ludivine Sagnier sizzles every moment she's on screen, but Charlotte Rampling, who always seems to be troubled by some hidden existential quandary, fizzles. The story is far from interesting, and it's only Sagnier's allure that keeps our attention on the film's characters: after all, when we boil this story down, it's merely about a woman briefly seduced by youth. The end. The third act is mostly senseless, and the final reveal is "senseless-er." Overall, maybe it's only Sagnier's eyes and body and charm and eroticism that kept me interested in the film, but that's good enough for two stars.
    Jim H Super Reviewer
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