Imagine a vibrant mix of local culture, indie cinema, and a unique drinking experience all rolled into one exciting event. If you have a taste for Malört, enjoy the thrill of pool hopping on the North Shore, love to dance, and have a passion for independent films, then mark your calendar for what promises to be a memorable evening.
Here’s the scoop: Sam Hayes, a filmmaker hailing from Highland Park, is curating an event called "POOLS of Malört" on Thursday at CineCity. This gathering is set to blend various aspects of Chicago culture in an innovative way that hasn't been seen before.
What can you look forward to? During the event, Hayes will present his latest indie film, "Pools," scheduled for release in 2025. The film features Odessa A'zion, known for her role in "Marty Supreme," playing a character who, after the loss of her father, seeks solace in a night filled with illegal pool hopping and plenty of Malört with friends.
- As part of the $25 ticket, attendees will be encouraged to take a shot of Malört whenever the characters on screen drink it.
- Additional fun rules include drinking when characters kiss, cry, or smoke, adding an interactive element to the movie-watching experience.
What’s the buzz? According to Hayes, the film draws inspiration from his own experiences growing up in the northern suburbs of Chicago, particularly reflecting on his journey after losing his father and capturing "the strange spiritual baptismal beauty of a glowing blue pool in the middle of the night,” as he shared with Axios.
Three interesting tidbits about "Pools":
1. Due to Screen Actors Guild regulations regarding drinking on set, the actors didn’t actually consume all that Malört, which is likely a relief for them.
2. Famous Chicago figure Mike Ditka was almost recruited to provide narration for the film.
3. Hayes has plans for another project that will delve into another much-debated water location: The Playpen.
Monica’s perspective: I attended a previous "Pools" event last month and had a fantastic time, though my enjoyment of Malört might have influenced my experience. While the plot may resonate more with younger audiences than my Gen X cohort, I was truly impressed by A'zion’s luminous performance.
If you’re interested in attending: You can secure your ticket for the "Pools" event here, and be sure to confirm during purchase that you understand the importance of not drinking and driving.
- Additionally, if you can’t make it to the event, the film is now available for streaming on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango.
