Pools Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Pools Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 9, 2026

Writer/director Sam Hayes investigates the troubled heart of a wayward college student in “Pools,” which represents his feature-length filmmaking debut. He’s not breaking new ground with the endeavor, following the low impulse control of a young woman going through plenty of things as she seeks to cool off during an impossibly hot day without access to air conditioning, seeking relief for more than just heat-related issues. The material is something of a “Breakfast Club” riff in the way it investigates a group dynamic of characters attempting to communicate with one another, but Hayes remains a tad livelier with the offering, which utilizes snappy moviemaking and an occasionally broad sense of humor. “Pools” isn’t profound, but it sustains interest in emotional lives and strange encounters, and Hayes mostly keeps the picture moving as he looks to depict the frustration of a person who feels trapped in their own life.

Kennedy (Odessa A’Zion) is a student at Lake Forest University in Chicago, but she’s barely participating in her classes. She’s stuck in summer school to help her low GPA, with her mother, Dean Lewis (Suzanne Cryer), battling to keep her daughter invested in her education, especially after the sudden death of her father. On a scorching day, relief is nowhere to be found as the air conditioning has failed, putting repairman Michael (Michael Vlamis) to work fixing machines while struggling with his boss. Eager to escape the campus and cool down, Kennedy creates a plan to infiltrate neighboring suburbs, sneaking dips into mansion pools. Joining the mission is dorm pal Blake (Tyler Alvarez), Delaney (Ariel Winter) and her roommate Shane (Francesca Noel), and senior Reed (Mason Gooding), who provides access to alcohol. The evening launches with enthusiasm, connecting the students to the home of Dale (Raymond Fox), who’s gone due to the heat, allowing the invaders to party openly, which eventually makes way for more intimate matters to arise.

Kennedy is described by others as “different.” She has an unusual personality that teeters on the edge of being quirky, but there’s something off about her the screenplay doesn’t fully explore until the final act. In her dreams, she’s stuck underwater, calling out for her father, only to be pulled back into a dire reality of collegiate achievement, stuck in summer school, avoiding responsibilities while her academic future is going right into the toilet. Hayes establishes a twitchy tone to “Pools” right away, using jumpy editing and camera moves to simulate the Kennedy experience, following the character as she seeks a way out of her mother’s suffocating concern. And she’s fighting the heat, which is causing all kinds of trouble to air conditioning systems in the area, sending Michael on various stops, including the campus and Dale’s mansion, where he interacts with his wife, who’s delighted to have a handsome man in the house.

Kennedy’s plan makes up the majority of “Pools,” sending the young characters into the night with a basket of tiny liquor bottles Reed uses his athleticism to acquire. They find their way into neighborhood pools, with Kennedy never clearing if the homes are occupied or not, causing some trouble for the gang as they seek a good time. Hayes creates interpersonal issues for the characters, and explores their previous connections, as Delaney used to be Kennedy’s roommate before they went their separate ways, and the departure still bothers them. Delaney is also targeted for seduction by Reed, knowing full well that Shane is interested in him, complicating the evening for all. “Pools” adds a little oddity in narration from Dale, with his house becoming a playground for the students, who pick up where a 50th birthday party left off, inspiring the raiding of closets and private time for some, with Blake trying to act as the voice of reason, finding his medical school future on the line when shenanigans increase.

Pools Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The image presentation (1.84:1 aspect ratio) for "Pools" maintains distinct colors throughout the viewing experience. Lighting offers more glowing hues, exploring pool blues and warmer domestic tours. The heat of the day registers with a yellowish push, and greenery is sharp. Decorative additions add varied hues. Skin tones are natural. Detail is capable, exploring skin particulars on the cast as they tear around town in their swimsuits. Neighborhood and campus activity maintains appealing depth. Housing and office interiors are dimensional. Delineation is satisfactory. Compression mostly holds together, with some mild banding found along the way.

Pools Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix secures clear dialogue exchanges throughout "Pools." Extremes of louder mischief and hushed confessional moments are acceptably balanced. Music supports with sharp instrumentation and acceptable dramatic emphasis. Soundtrack selections maintain defined vocals. Surrounds offer milder musical moods, showing more power with pool action as the characters go underwater. Atmospherics are acceptable, examining bar and college campus activity. Low-end isn't challenged.

Pools Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• "American Cinematheque Q&As" (HD) offer "Thursday, September 11th, 2025" (21:47), "Sunday, September 21st, 2025" (25:31), and "Thursday, September 23rd, 2025" (6:49). Interviewees include writer/director Sam Hayes, production designer Kelly Fallon, cinematographer Ben Hardwicke, costume designer Cassidy Kean, producers Adonis Tountas, Jack Heston, and Brian McNeely, and actors Michael Vlamis and Francesca Noel. The moderator remains unidentified, and she seems unprepared to deal with host demands. The interviewees explore the origins of "Pools," following how an idea became a movie. Locations are highlighted, with the team piecing together various pools and homes, working to give different areas their own distinct personality as the story progresses. Technical achievements as a "COVID production" are highlighted. Performance choices are identified, with Noel questioned about her process while getting in and out of pools for the picture. Theatrical release ambitions are detailed, with the gang emphasizing the specialness of a communal experience. Questions from the audiences are offered as well.

• Behind the Scenes (7:35, HD) provides look at the production of "Pools," offering a fly-on-the-wall examination of the cast and crew in motion, working out shots and enjoying camaraderie. Also included are a few comparison sequences, offering a split-screen examination of BTS activity and the final cut.

• Image Gallery #1 (2:40) collects BTS snaps.

• Image Gallery #2 (5:54) collects photos from the premiere.

• Image Gallery #3 (:34) collects alternate poster art.

• Image Gallery #4 (1:24) collects film stills.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (1:53, HD) is provided.

Pools Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Pools" eventually settles into confessional situations, putting these personalities to the test as they're finally able to clear the air about certain issues. Michael also joins the evening, dealing with employment concerns and perceived threats to his dignity. However, the movie is really focused on Kennedy, who has so much emotional baggage due to personal loss and professional confusion, finding her artful instincts going against the traditional college experience she's enduring. Hayes doesn't have Big Ideas to share on the state of the world, but he defines personal problems with care, and juggles characters to satisfaction. He also pulls a sensitive performance out of A'Zion, who's usually a very harsh screen presence, allowed to show some range in this modest but effective dramedy that promises a bright filmmaking future for Hayes.