Ariadna, a former police officer, is now a detective shocked by the recent death of her mother due to Covid. In the midst of this, she must find a child who has been kidnapped after school.

Review by Parker Jesse Chase:

“The Drowning Pool” sets the tone for a haunting exploration of desperation, loss, and moral ambiguity in the wake of a global crisis. Set against the bleak backdrop of the pandemic, the film follows Ariadna, a former police officer turned private investigator, whose world has been upended by personal tragedy and economic strife.

From the opening scene, the film establishes a melancholic tone. The image of Ariadna swimming toward the camera, her face marred by running makeup, instantly signals the emotional turmoil that drives her character. This striking visual metaphor of drowning—both literally and figuratively—captures the essence of a world where survival is a daily battle. As she takes swigs from a flask while sitting in her car, we sense her unraveling.

The narrative unfolds as Ariadna embarks on a mission to locate her kidnapped nephew. The film artfully intertwines her personal grief with the broader societal chaos, presenting the kidnappers not as mere villains, but as desperate individuals pushed to the brink by their circumstances. Their motivations –rooted in financial desperation—resonate powerfully in a world grappling with unemployment and economic hardship. This nuance is one of the film’s strongest aspects, reminding us that in dire times, moral lines can blur, and good people can make bad choices.

Ariadna’s confrontation with the kidnappers is tense and poignant. Rather than resorting to the law, she chooses to extend a lifeline, offering them job leads instead of turning them in. This decision highlights her complex character: she is haunted by her past, but seeks to find humanity even in those who have wronged her. It’s a testament to the film’s exploration of empathy in a fractured world.

As the story progresses, moments of reflection—like Ariadna’s solitary time by the dock, reminiscing about her mother—provide a deeper insight into her psyche. These scenes are beautifully shot, capturing the serene yet sorrowful ambiance of the setting. They serve as a reminder of what has been lost and what remains to be fought for.

The cinematography deserves special mention; the film’s visual palette, with its nostalgic filter, enhances the emotional weight of the story. Each frame is meticulously crafted, immersing the audience in a world that feels both hauntingly familiar and unsettlingly bleak.

“The Drowning Pool” transcends its compelling drama narrative to touch on universal themes of loss, survival, and the moral dilemmas we face in trying times. Novials’ direction, coupled with a powerful performance from the lead, creates a poignant reflection on humanity’s struggle against the tide of despair. This film is a must-watch for those seeking a story that resonates deeply in a world still grappling with the aftershocks of a pandemic.