The crime novelist is named Sarah Morton, and she is played by actress Charlotte Rampling. She is struggling with writer's block and seeking inspiration when she is sent to stay at her publisher John Bosload's (Charles Dance) villa in Luberon, France. The villa is luxurious, situated in a scenic countryside region, and is the perfect setting for her to focus on her writing.
However, Sarah's solitude is interrupted by the sudden arrival of John's daughter, Julie (Ludivine Sagnier), who is young, free-spirited, and provocative. Sarah finds herself constantly distracted by Julie's flirtatious behavior, her party lifestyle, and her loud music that keeps her up at night. The two women initially have a strained relationship, but gradually start to bond over alcohol and secrets.
One day, Sarah discovers a hidden diary that Julie has been keeping, which chronicles her sexual escapades with several men in the area. However, the entries in the diary start to blur with Sarah's own experiences, and she begins to question what is real and what is imagined. Meanwhile, a mysterious crime occurs, and the police start to interrogate both women, revealing a web of lies, betrayal, and hidden agendas.
Swimming Pool is a psychological thriller that explores the themes of desire, identity, and creativity. It was directed by French filmmaker Francois Ozon and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2003. The film features stunning cinematography by Yorick Le Saux and an atmospheric score by Philippe Rombi. The performances by Rampling and Sagnier were praised by critics, with Rampling earning a nomination for a European Film Award for her role.