'The Plague' is Charlie Polinger's feature directorial debut, premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and receiving rave reviews.
The film stars Everett Blunck as Ben, a socially anxious twelve-year-old, and Joel Edgerton as the camp coach.
It delves into themes of bullying, social hierarchy, and the blurring lines between game and reality.
Critics have praised the film's cinematography, haunting score, and performances, with one review noting it as 'proper filmmaking firing on all cylinders.' Why this matters: 'The Plague' offers a chilling exploration of adolescence and the often-cruel dynamics within youth culture. Its critical acclaim suggests a thought-provoking and visually compelling cinematic experience.
‘The Plague’ explores the psychological turmoil of adolescence within the setting of an all-boys water polo camp. Ben, a socially awkward tween, finds himself caught in a cruel tradition, leading to a descent into psychological turmoil. The film uses the camp as a microcosm of society, highlighting themes of bullying and social exclusion. Polinger's choice to shoot on 35mm film lends a timeless quality to the movie, enhancing the impact of the close-ups and the overall atmosphere. The narrative blends elements of coming-of-age stories with body horror, creating an unnerving and unpredictable viewing experience. The film is slated for release in select US theaters starting December 24th, 2025, with a wider release on January 2nd, 2026.
Q: What is 'The Plague' about?
'The Plague' is a coming-of-age thriller about a socially anxious boy at a water polo camp who becomes entangled in a cruel tradition.
Q: Who are the main actors in the film?
The film stars Everett Blunck, Joel Edgerton, Kayo Martin, and Kenny Rasmussen.
Q: When will 'The Plague' be released?
'The Plague' will debut in select US theaters on December 24th, 2025, with a wide release on January 2nd, 2026.
Readers should anticipate a thought-provoking exploration of adolescence, bullying, and the loss of innocence. 'The Plague' is not a horror film in the traditional sense, but rather a psychological thriller that delves into the darker aspects of human behavior. Key takeaways include: The film's exploration of social dynamics, the impact of bullying on young individuals, and the importance of empathy and understanding.
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