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The Pool

The Pool

Representation Score

5.5/10

Fair

2018

Not Rated

Director

Phuping Pungsa-ard

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The Pool is a genre-driven survival horror that prioritizes visceral tension and physical peril over social commentary. It operates within established thriller conventions, focusing on a singular character's struggle against environmental hazards and a predator. While the film provides a non-Western perspective through its Thai origins, it lacks intentional characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity. The narrative structure adheres to traditional formulas rather than attempting to challenge social hierarchies or engage in progressive storytelling. Ultimately, the film's focus is on atmospheric tension. It treats character identity as secondary to the immediate, life-threatening circumstances of the setting.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Pool have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses solely on a male protagonist dealing with an environmental crisis. There are no LGBTQ characters or explorations of non-traditional gender identities in the story.

How does The Pool portray gender?

Fair

The story centers on a male protagonist named Day. While it avoids explicit gender hierarchies, it follows a standard survivalist framework without challenging traditional masculinity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Pool?

Fair

As a Thai production, the film offers a non-Western setting and cast. However, the story remains a localized character study rather than a diverse ensemble piece.

How does The Pool represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative prioritizes man-versus-nature conflict over systemic or institutional critique. It avoids exploring religious or complex cultural issues in favor of primal survivalism.

Does The Pool include disability representation?

Limited

The protagonist's loss of mobility is a situational plot device used to heighten horror. It does not serve as a nuanced exploration of lived disability or neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a non-Western perspective through its Thai setting and cast.
  • Avoids the Hollywood-centric norm through its regional production origin.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks diverse ensemble characters or multi-layered narrative depth.
  • Uses physical entrapment as a horror cliché rather than exploring disability.
  • Does not engage with complex sociological or systemic critiques.

Official Synopsis

Left alone to clean up a 6-meter-deep deserted pool, Day falls asleep on an inflatable raft. When he wakes, the water level has sunk so low that he can't climb out on his own. Stuck in the pool, Day screams for help, but the only thing that hears him is a creature from a nearby crocodile farm.

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