Joel Edgerton's 'The Plague' Trailer Promises Intense Bullying Drama and Psychological Turmoil

Get ready for a film that dives deep into the unsettling realities of adolescence and the lasting impact of cruelty, hitting theaters this holiday season after garnering significant buzz at Cannes.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on 'The Plague'

• Charlie Polinger's feature directorial debut, 'The Plague,' explores intense bullying and psychological turmoil at an all-boys water polo camp.
• It stars Joel Edgerton as a coach and features compelling performances from young actors Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, and Kenny Rasmussen.
• The film premiered to rave reviews and an 11-minute standing ovation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
• 'The Plague' will debut in select US theaters on December 24, 2025, with a wide release on January 2, 2026.

Remembering the Unease of Adolescent Cruelty: Unmasking the Dark Dynamics

Ever felt that stomach-churning dread of being targeted in childhood? Director Charlie Polinger's 'The Plague' aims to capture that visceral memory, offering a chillingly authentic look at the ruthless hierarchy of adolescence and how a "joke" can quickly turn sinister.

The official trailer from IFC Films plunges us into this unsettling world, introducing Ben (Everett Blunck), a socially anxious twelve-year-old navigating an all-boys water polo camp. This isn't just about athletic competition; it’s a brutal microcosm of adolescent society, where Ben is swiftly pulled into a cruel tradition. The target? An outcast named Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), whom the other campers label with a mysterious "illness" they call "The Plague."

But here's the twist that drives the psychological tension: as the lines between this camp game and reality blur, Ben starts to fear that the whole "joke" might be hiding something genuinely real and terrifying. It’s a clever setup for a film that critics are calling a psychological thriller, a bullying drama, and even body horror, exploring the intense emotional and physical discomfort of growing up.

From Cannes Acclaim to Your Local Theater: The Journey of 'The Plague'

'The Plague' made a significant splash at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, premiering to rave reviews and an impressive 11-minute standing ovation. It was selected for the Un Certain Regard section, known for unique, innovative storytelling. Source: [LM US Desk, "The Plague trailer: Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck star in film exploring harsh realities of bullying," November 12, 2025].

Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Alex Billington of First Showing, for instance, declared, This is proper filmmaking firing on all cylinders. Critics lauded everything from its haunting score and cinematography to the powerful performances from the young cast. It also screened at other notable festivals, including Fantastic Fest, further solidifying its reputation as a must-see for complex, character-driven narratives.

"This is proper filmmaking firing on all cylinders."

— Alex Billington, First Showing

So, when can you catch this intriguing film? IFC Films is bringing 'The Plague' to select US theaters in New York and Los Angeles starting on December 24, 2025, just in time for Christmas. For those outside these major cities, a wider North American release is slated for January 2, 2026, right after the New Year. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes and is rated R. Source: [Reel Talk, "'THE PLAGUE' Review: Charlie Polinger's Brilliant Tale of Boyhood, Bullies and Body Horror," November 4, 2025].

Joel Edgerton's Dual Role: Bringing Weight and Nuance to the Story

The film boasts a strong cast, led by Joel Edgerton, who takes on the role of the water polo coach. Edgerton, known for his nuanced performances, lends significant depth to the project through his involvement. Beyond acting, he's also one of the film's producers, underscoring his commitment to 'The Plague's' challenging message.

The young ensemble also delivers. Everett Blunck, as protagonist Ben, carries the film's emotional weight, while Kayo Martin portrays Jake, the ringleader, with raw honesty. Kenny Rasmussen, as the ostracized "Plague" victim Eli, has been singled out by critics as a standout, commanding both empathy and pity. Additional cast includes Lennox Espy (Julian), Lucas Adler (Logan), Elliott Heffernan (Tic Tac), Caden Burris (Matt), and Kolton Lee (Corbin).

Beyond the Surface: Why 'The Plague' Resonates Deeply Today

Director Charlie Polinger, making his feature directorial debut, drew inspiration from films like 'Carrie,' 'Raw,' 'Black Swan,' and 'Eighth Grade.' He noted these stories often explore the social terror of vulnerability, transformation, and the body, but tend to center on young women. Polinger aimed to bring that same unflinching gaze to the male experience, observing that films about boys rarely allow them to be subjects of horror because "true horror demands vulnerability—and traditional masculinity doesn't make space for that." Source: [Bloody Disgusting, "'The Plague' Trailer Spreads Body Horror Cruelty and Adolescent Paranoia [Watch]," November 10, 2025].

More than just a thriller, this film holds a mirror to persistent issues. Bullying, often dismissed as a harmless "rite of passage," leaves deep psychological scars. 'The Plague' doesn't offer easy solutions but forces viewers to confront the collective responsibility we share in creating safe, empathetic environments for young people. The water polo camp setting acts as a crucible, testing moral choices and exposing group complicity.

While First Showing notes it's "not horror despite the title," others like Punch Drunk Critics and Bloody Disgusting label it "bullying horror" or "body horror." This reflects the film's unique blend of psychological drama and visceral discomfort, relying on creeping social and physical dread rather than jump scares. Polinger's direction, supported by Edgerton's influence, urges audiences to look past the surface. What initially appears as a cruel game or joke eventually reveals deeper anxieties, fears, and the universal desire to belong. The title itself—"The Plague"—becomes a potent metaphor for how exclusion and humiliation can spread like a contagious illness.

Example: The Power of Film to Spark Real-World Dialogue

Imagine Sarah, a middle school teacher, grappling with how to engage her students in a meaningful discussion about social pressures and empathy. She's often found generic "anti-bullying" campaigns fall flat, failing to capture the complex, often subtle, cruelties kids inflict on each other. A film like 'The Plague,' with its raw, psychological depth and authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles, could be a game-changer. It offers a powerful, albeit unsettling, lens through which to explore difficult questions about conformity, compassion, and the responsibility we all share in protecting the vulnerable. Such a film moves beyond platitudes, fostering a more honest and impactful dialogue about human behavior.

The Creative Minds Behind the Psychological Unraveling

Bringing 'The Plague' to life involved a collaborative team. Charlie Polinger worked with cinematographer Steven Breckon, who shot the film on 35mm, producing its "beautifully bruising cinematography." Source: [Reel Talk, "'THE PLAGUE' Review: Charlie Polinger's Brilliant Tale of Boyhood, Bullies and Body Horror," November 4, 2025]. The film was shot on location in Romania, a setting that helps underscore the story's isolation and intensity. Source: [Azat TV, "Joel Edgerton Shines in ‘The Plague’: A Bold Film Tackling Bullying and Adolescence," December 11, 2025].

Editors Henry Hayes and Simon Njoo, along with composer Johan Lenox, whose "haunting score" and "chilling soundscape" are integral to the psychological tension, complete the crew. Producers include Lizzie Shapiro, Lucy McKendrick, Steven Schneider ('Insidious,' 'Paranormal Activity'), Roy Lee ('IT'), Derek Dauchy ('Late Night with the Devil'), and Joel Edgerton. This impressive roster ensures a tightly woven creative process, promising an unsettling, thought-provoking experience.

Practical Takeaways for Anticipating Viewers

• Prepare for Intensity: 'The Plague' is a psychological drama-thriller that uses tension, character depth, and unsettling themes of bullying and body image, rather than traditional horror jump scares, to deliver its impact.
• A Timely Conversation Starter: This film is poised to spark important discussions about the complexities of adolescence, peer pressure, and the lasting effects of cruelty, making it relevant for a wide audience.
• Catch it Soon: Plan to see it in select New York and Los Angeles theaters starting December 24, 2025, or await its wider North American release on January 2, 2026.
• Quality Endorsement: With Joel Edgerton both starring and producing, and critical acclaim from Cannes, expect a high-quality production with a powerful message.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Plague' What is 'The Plague' about? 'The Plague' follows a socially anxious twelve-year-old at an all-boys water polo camp who becomes entangled in a cruel tradition targeting an outcast with a fabricated illness. It's a psychological drama exploring bullying and the blurring lines between a game and disturbing reality. Who stars in 'The Plague'? The film stars Joel Edgerton as a coach, with Everett Blunck in the lead role of Ben. Key young cast members also include Kayo Martin and Kenny Rasmussen. Edgerton is also one of the film's producers. When does 'The Plague' release? 'The Plague' will have a limited release in New York and Los Angeles on December 24, 2025. It will then expand to a wide North American release on January 2, 2026. What is the film's rating and runtime? The film is rated R and has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. Sources

• First Showing, "Must See Trailer for 'The Plague' with Everett Blunck & Joel Edgerton," November 10, 2025.
• GeekTyrant, "Unnerving Trailer for Haunting Coming of Age Drama THE PLAGUE Starring Everett Blunck and Joel Edgerton," (about 13 hours ago, relative to publish date).
• Azat TV, "Joel Edgerton Shines in ‘The Plague’: A Bold Film Tackling Bullying and Adolescence," December 11, 2025.
• The Film Stage, "The Plague Trailer: Cannes Breakout Targets the Effects of Bullying," November 10, 2025.
• Punch Drunk Critics, "‘The Plague’ Trailer: Joel Edgerton Stars In Charlie Polinger’s Acclaimed Bullying Horror," (undated, but related articles Nov 2025).
• Flickering Myth, "The Plague trailer for Charlie Polinger’s thriller starring Joel Edgerton," November 10, 2025.
• Dread Central, "‘The Plague’ Trailer Spreads Body Horror Cruelty and Adolescent Paranoia [Watch]," November 10, 2025.
• Reel Talk, "‘THE PLAGUE’ Review: Charlie Polinger’s Brilliant Tale of Boyhood, Bullies and Body Horror," November 4, 2025.
• LM US Desk, "The Plague trailer: Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck star in film exploring harsh realities of bullying," November 12, 2025.
• Bloody Disgusting, "'The Plague' Trailer Spreads Body Horror Cruelty and Adolescent Paranoia [Watch]," November 10, 2025.