NetFilming gives you a close look at the places where Pools (2025), a touching coming-of-age drama written and directed by Sam Hayes, was filmed. This is Hayes’ first feature film and Odessa A’zion plays Kennedy, a college sophomore dealing with grief, friendships and finding herself.
Kennedy and her friends go on a rebellious night of pool-hopping across fancy estates. At first, it’s just a fun adventure, but it becomes a meaningful journey about growing up, dealing with loss, and figuring out what to do with your life.
If you’re wondering where Pools was filmed, here’s a complete breakdown of the real-life locations that set the stage for its late-night escapades.
Where Was Pools Filmed?
Lake Forest, Illinois
The movie was mostly shot in Lake Forest, a beautiful and wealthy suburb north of Chicago. Lake Forest, with its historic mansions, green neighbourhoods and close proximity to Lake Michigan, was the perfect setting for the movie’s mix of youthful rebellion and deep thought. The calm but high-end setting matched the story’s two main themes of luxury and emotional struggle.
Trivia: Lake Forest has also been in other famous films, like Ordinary People (1980) and Ocean’s Twelve (2004), because of its beautiful buildings and landscapes.
Innisfail II (Cudahy Estate), Lake Forest, Illinois
The Innisfail II estate, which is also called the Cudahy Estate, was a big part of the filming. David Adler, a famous architect, designed this French Norman-style mansion in 1929. It became a main location for the movie’s pool-hopping scenes.
The estate was built for Joseph and Jean Morton Cudahy. It has beautiful plaster details, rare marble floors, antique Chinese art, and English wood panelling that was brought in from England. The lavish interiors and large pool areas provided the necessary grandeur and intimacy for the film’s important scenes.
Many architectural magazines have praised the Cudahy Estate, one of David Adler’s best works, for its timeless beauty.
Production Timeline
| Stage of Production | Details |
|---|---|
| Location Scouting | Early 2024 – Hayes and the production team selected Lake Forest for its cinematic potential. |
| Principal Photography | Mid to Late 2024 – Filming took place over several weeks, often during overnight shoots to capture the authentic summer nightlife feel. |
| Post-Production | Late 2024 to Mid 2025 – Editing, sound design, and color grading were completed. |
| Festival Premiere | Early 2025 – Screened at the TIFF Next Wave Festival. |
| Trailer Release | Early August 2025 – Official trailer released online. |
| Theatrical Release | Expected Late Summer 2025. |
Pools Behind The Scenes
The making of Pools is as heartfelt and authentic as its on-screen story. Director Sam Hayes leaned into familiar surroundings to capture natural emotion and visual richness. As he shared, filming in Lake Forest felt personally meaningful: “I was so lucky to come back and shoot a film on familiar territory. I felt like I had a home-field advantage.”
He also remembers the warm welcome from the locals: “The Smiths and the Lake Forest community were so welcoming to all of us. What an incredible family, the Smiths. Being able to call their place home was essential for the movie.” (jwcmedia.com)
Hayes speaks candidly about his creative process. What began as a simple, free-form scene between Kennedy and Michael evolved into the foundation of the entire script. He explained, “I wrote this five years ago… It all started with a free write of a scene around the six-minute mark.” Once Odessa A’zion caught his eye, the role of Kennedy began to take shape with her in mind. (eyeforfilm.co.uk)
The shoot itself was demanding and intense. Over a month of filming included at least two straight weeks of overnight work—often lasting 16 to 18 hours per day—to capture that authentic heat-of-summer, late-night atmosphere.
Pools Official Trailer
Mark your calendars for the theatrical release in August and September 2025 and get ready to dive into this heartfelt story!
FAQs
Q1: Where was Pools (2025) filmed?
A: The film was primarily shot in Lake Forest, Illinois, with key scenes at the historic Innisfail II (Cudahy Estate).
Q2: Who directed Pools?
A: Pools was written and directed by Sam Hayes, marking his debut feature film.
Q3: What is the story of Pools?
A: The movie follows Kennedy, a college sophomore, who takes her friends on a rebellious pool-hopping night that turns into a journey of grief and self-discovery.
Q4: When will Pools be released?
A: Pools is expected to release in late summer 2025, following its premiere at the TIFF Next Wave Festival.
Q5: Which actors star in Pools?
A: The cast includes Odessa A’zion, Michael Vlamis, and other rising talents.
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 was filmed! Explore Lake Forest, Illinois, and the iconic Cudahy Estate in this heartfelt coming-of-age drama. Visit NetFilming for details!){kind=link}