Pools Review: A Refreshing, Fun Take on Grief Through Friendship

The indie dramedy Pools dives deep into themes of grief and healing, but instead of drowning its audience in heavy melodrama, it finds surprising joy through friendship, laughter, and late-night adventure. Directed by Samuel Hayes, this coming-of-age film uses the swimming pool as both a literal and metaphorical stage for renewal. The result is a deeply moving yet surprisingly enjoyable film that finds beauty in connection during life’s most challenging moments.

The film follows Kennedy, played by Odessa A’zion (Grand Army). Kennedy is a college student struggling after the death of her father, drifting through probation and at risk of expulsion. Instead of confronting her problems head-on, she plunges into reckless midnight pool-hopping with her group of friends. At its core, Pools is about people learning to swim through grief instead of drowning in it. 

What also makes Pools so effective is its spectacular cast. Odessa A’zion commands the screen with her mix of vulnerability and humor, balancing explosive emotions with irresistible charm. She’s joined by Mason Gooding (Scream VI), Ariel Winter (Modern Family), Tyler Alvarez (Never Have I Ever), and Francesca Noe. Together, their chemistry makes the friendships feel authentic, layered, and deeply human.

Pools is a rare film that treats grief as something to be experienced, not just endured. By centering friendship, it offers a hopeful and refreshing take that feels cathartic without being saccharine. The film is a refreshing reminder that friendship can be the most powerful lifeline of all.