Malört, movies and music merge at "Pools" event
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Popcorn and Malört blended beautifully at a recent party screening of "Pools" that will be reprised at CineCity on Thursday. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
If you like Malört, North Shore pool hopping, dancing and indie movies, we've got an event for you.
Driving the news: Highland Park native and filmmaker Sam Hayes is hosting a "POOLS of Malört" movie event and drink experience on Thursday at CineCity, blending Chicago culture in ways that we've never seen before.
What to expect: Hayes will be screening his 2025 indie film "Pools," starring Odessa A'zion ("Marty Supreme") as a Lake Forest College student who has recently lost her father and seeks escape in a Malört-fueled night of illegal pool hopping with pals.
- Each time the actors on screen swig Malört, viewers will be urged to take a shot provided as part of their $25 ticket.
- More screening suggestions include imbibing when characters kiss, cry or smoke.
What they're saying: Hayes based the film, in part, on his own North suburban youth, his journey after losing his own father and "the strange spiritual baptismal beauty of a glowing blue pool in the middle of the night," he tells Axios.
Three "Pools" facts: Screen Actors Guild rules against liquor meant the actors on screen didn't really have to drink all that Malört. We assume they were grateful.
- Mike Ditka was nearly hired to narrate the film.
- One of Hayes' next film projects will focus on another controversial water spot: The Playpen.
Monica's thought bubble: I had a blast at a previous "Pools" party last month, but I happen to enjoy Malört.
- While the film's storyline feels a little young for my Gen X sensibilities, I was blown away by A'zion's shimmering performance.
If you go: You can buy a ticket to the "Pools" event here, and must affirm at purchase that you will not drink and drive.
- You can also now stream the film on Apple TV, Amazon and Fandango.