THE CURRENT STATE OF THE BACKYARD POOL INDUSTRY - Review
In this 18-minutes film by Derek Frey, a strange or simply novel theme is raised. On the one hand, it seems to be concerned about the problems of an industry (that of plastic pools) and on the other, the influence these pools have on human life.
Derek himself clarifies it: "He explores the strange rituals of suburban life through the perspective of middle-age masculinity, competitiveness and silent despair, but always with a touch of affection. There is comedy at all times, but also a background of melancholy. It’s a story about men trying to stay afloat not just in a backyard pool, but in their lives, their careers, their relationships and their sense of relevance.
In creating The Current State of the Garden Pool Industry, I was significantly inspired by Federico Fellini’s films. Like him, I wanted to transform an everyday environment into a space where reality and fantasy intertwine. In that sense, the film is a modern and heartfelt nod to Fellini’s tradition of blurring the line between real and oneiric to reveal deeper truths about our lives."
What is told is the story of the Osgood pool, which used to be the epicenter of fun, but a costly repair forced them to close it, further dividing the family. However, when a strange visitor named Willy Chamieux convinces them to take a last dip, their suburban oasis comes alive. Faced with the dilemma of repair, the Osgood must decide the fate of both their pool and their family, as one might not survive without the other.
Last year, Derek directed Viaticum (2025), a black comedy written and starring his regular collaborators, The Minor Prophets. Frey created the music video for The Redneck Army (2024), for acclaimed songwriter and guitarist Trever Veilleux, and directed numerous episodes of the thought-provoking mini-series, The Book Club For Men (2023).
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