Swimming Pool

Sarah Morton, a successful mystery author, is struggling with severe writer's block, which halts her ability to create the next book in her popular detective series. This creative stagnation is causing her significant frustration and anxiety about her career.

In an attempt to help Sarah regain her writing inspiration, her publisher, John Bosload, offers her the use of his serene country house in Lacoste, France. This invitation is intended to provide a tranquil environment where Sarah can focus and find solace from her creative struggles.

Shortly after settling into the country house, Sarah is unexpectedly visited by a vibrant young woman named Julie. Claiming to be Bosload's daughter, Julie quickly becomes a distracting presence in Sarah's life with her lively stories and boisterous lifestyle.

Julie shares tales about her family, including the controversial story of her mother being Bosload's mistress, leading to a complicated web of emotions and rivalry between her and Sarah. This revelation further complicates Sarah's feelings towards Julie, who is both intriguing and infuriating.

As Julie indulges in her carefree lifestyle filled with short-lived romances, Sarah begins to feel a mix of jealousy and competition stirring within her. This rivalry escalates, creating an uneasy atmosphere as Sarah observes Julie's antics with a critical eye.

Tensions rise when Franck, a local waiter, becomes part of the dynamic between Sarah and Julie. While Julie is infatuated with Franck's attention, he seems to be more drawn to Sarah, creating an intricate love triangle filled with desire, envy, and rivalry.

One fateful night, an evening of flirting culminates in Franck's sudden disappearance after a troubling interaction at the pool. Sarah, who witnesses what happens from her balcony, is drawn into the mystery and chaos surrounding Franck's odd behavior.

The following day, Franck is nowhere to be found, leading Sarah to become increasingly concerned about his wellbeing. Motivated by a mix of worry and curiosity, she embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind his mysterious absence.

In her investigation, Sarah uncovers shocking truths about Julie's past, including the fact that Julie's mother has been deceased for some time—a detail Julie had concealed. This revelation significantly alters Sarah's perspective on Julie and their relationship.

Upon returning to confront Julie about her hidden past, the emotional tension escalates rapidly. Julie, unraveling under stress, confuses Sarah for her deceased mother and spirals into a mental breakdown, leading to harrowing confessions.

Julie reveals that in her emotional turmoil, she committed a violent act against Franck, resulting in his death. With her body hidden beneath freshly disturbed soil in a shed, this dark twist reveals the true depth of Julie's instability and desperation.

Caught in a moral dilemma, Sarah uses her charm to distract the elderly gardener, Marcel, while grappling with the chaos and danger surrounding her. This internal conflict further isolates her as she balances loyalty and self-preservation.

After the traumatic events unfold, Julie expresses her gratitude towards Sarah, leaving behind a poignant gift—a manuscript by her deceased mother. This manuscript symbolizes both closure and a complex legacy of their turbulent weekend together.

With renewed inspiration despite the emotional turmoil, Sarah returns to England, ready to write and share her newly crafted story. The weekend has left a heavy significance on her, affecting her creativity and perspective on life.

Just as Sarah leaves her publisher's office, she encounters another young woman, one who is distinctly different from Julie. This chance meeting emphasizes the change in Sarah and the unpredictability of her life following the intense experiences in France.