The Plague Trailer Unveils Chilling Summer Camp Horrors and Adolescent Dread

Charlie Polinger's debut feature, The Plague, is hitting theaters soon, promising a haunting dive into the cruelties of an all-boys water polo camp that blurs the line between game and grim reality. Get ready for a psychodrama that critics are already calling a must-see.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on "The Plague" Movie News

• New psychological thriller The Plague follows a socially anxious boy at a water polo camp where a cruel "illness" targets an outcast.
• Directed by Charlie Polinger, it stars Joel Edgerton and debuted to an 11-minute standing ovation at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
• Set for limited release on December 24, 2025 (NY/LA) and nationwide on January 2, 2026, critics are praising its unique blend of coming-of-age drama and body horror.

What if the Invisible Anxieties of Adolescence Become Terrifyingly Real?

What if the invisible anxieties of adolescence – the fear of not fitting in, the dread of judgment – suddenly became terrifyingly real, a visible affliction? Imagine attending an all-boys summer water polo camp, a place usually associated with camaraderie and competition, only to find yourself entangled in a disturbing ritual that weaponizes fear and isolation. This is the chilling premise of The Plague, director Charlie Polinger’s eagerly anticipated debut feature, which has just dropped its haunting official trailer.

Polinger isn't interested in your typical nostalgic summer camp flick. He aimed to craft something far more unsettling, drawing inspiration from films like Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade and Julia Ducournau’s Raw. He sought to capture a sense of "social dread and vulnerability of your body" often unexplored in stories about young boys, stating, "something you don’t see as much with boys because it requires a certain vulnerability to be an object of terror in that way." (Source: IndieWire, “‘The Plague’ Trailer: Summer Camp Is Hell, and So Is Adolescence…”, November 10, 2025). The film was shot on 35mm film, lending it a timeless, almost classic, yet disturbing visual texture.

Unpacking the Horrific Dynamics: The Dark Heart of "The Plague"

The story centers on Ben (Everett Blunck), a socially anxious twelve-year-old thrust into an all-boys water polo camp after his parents' divorce. Here, he finds himself drawn into a cruel tradition. An outcast, Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), is targeted with a made-up illness they dub "The Plague." The official synopsis reveals, "as the lines between game and reality blur, he fears the joke might be hiding something real."

The movie explores themes of masculinity, peer pressure, and the loss of innocence. Joel Edgerton stars as the boys' coach, who quickly finds himself out of his depth facing the escalating cruelties. Kayo Martin rounds out the young core cast as Jake, the mop-headed ringleader orchestrating much of the torment.

For example, picture this scenario: Ben, already feeling like an outsider, desperately wants to belong. He sees the older boys, led by the charismatic but menacing Jake, mock and isolate Eli for a blotchy rash, calling it "The Plague." Ben might initially join in, a nervous laugh escaping him, just to avoid becoming the next target. But as Eli's condition seems to worsen, and the "game" grows increasingly intense and physical, Ben begins to question the reality of it all. Is Eli truly sick, or is the collective psychological terror manifesting something horrifying? This is the kind of visceral, character-driven psychosis Polinger plunges the audience into.

A Masterclass in Fear: The Film's Technical Brilliance and Atmospheric Power

The film's unsettling atmosphere isn't just in its premise; it’s deeply embedded in its craft. Cinematographer Steven Breckon’s "beautifully bruising cinematography" enhances the dread, as does the "chilling soundscape" created by composer Johan Lenox and sound designer Damian Volpe. Critics have noted the "dramatic chiaroscuro lighting on Ben when he discovers a large pimple," a stark visual that encapsulates the film's body horror elements and adolescent paranoia.

The sound design, with its "breath-filled, spike-sharp staccato symphonics" and "humming vibration," perfectly complements the visual storytelling, pulling audiences deeper into the distorted psyches of the characters. It’s a thoughtful approach to terror that leverages every aspect of filmmaking to create a truly immersive experience.

Spotlight on Stellar Performances: Seasoned Actors and Promising Newcomers

Joel Edgerton delivers a strong supporting performance as the water polo coach. He lauded Polinger's vision, saying, "From script to completion this film has always had a very strong vision... Charlie Polinger is a filmmaker with a great future ahead. I’m proud to have been part of his first film." (Source: JoBlo.com, "Charlie Polinger’s The Plague trailer takes a harsh look at a young boy’s torturous journey through adolescence", November 10, 2025).

However, much of the film’s power rests on its young cast. Everett Blunck, as the protagonist Ben, gives a captivating performance, navigating the rough tides of puberty and peer pressure. Kenny Rasmussen, as the outcast Eli, is a standout, commanding empathy for his "precious lil’ weirdo" character. Kayo Martin, as the ringleader Jake, brings a raw, malicious honesty to his role, embodying the darker side of boyhood.

Critical Acclaim and Buzz: Cannes Success and Rotten Tomatoes Triumph

The Plague made a splash at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, receiving an impressive 11-minute standing ovation at its world premiere. (Source: Bloody Disgusting, “The Plague Trailer Spreads Body Horror Cruelty and Adolescent Paranoia [Watch]”, November 10, 2025). This early buzz was followed by critical praise, earning the film a perfect Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 18 reviews.

"In his debut feature, filmmaker Charlie Polinger plays with broad riffs on coming-of-age, body horror, and bullying genres before paring these themes back to reveal that two 12-year-old boys — and their contrasting approaches to being different — are really the heartfelt preoccupation of the film."

— IndieWire's Review from Cannes (Source: IndieWire, “‘The Plague’ Trailer: Summer Camp Is Hell, and So Is Adolescence…”, November 10, 2025)

Courtney Howard, writing for Fresh Fiction, went further, stating the film "should be shown as essential text to middle schoolers," describing it as "LORD OF THE FLIES meets mother! at a boys’ water polo camp in the early aughts." (Source: Fresh Fiction, “‘THE PLAGUE’ Review: Charlie Polinger’s Brilliant Tale of Boyhood, Bullies and Body Horror”, November 4, 2025). It’s clear this isn't just another thriller; it’s a film with significant thematic weight.

Navigating the Unsettling Trade-Offs of Adolescence and Allegory

The film deliberately plays with ambiguity, never taking a hard line on whether "The Plague" is a real medical condition or purely a manifestation of psychological terror. This choice, while central to its unsettling atmosphere, might leave some viewers craving a more definitive answer. However, it also emphasizes the film’s powerful message: the true "disease" isn't a virus, but rather the human capacity for cruelty and the inherent anxieties of growing up.

A minor limitation, noted by critics, is Joel Edgerton's coach character, who is described as "well-intentioned yet ineffectual." This portrayal, while vital to highlighting the lack of adult intervention in the boys' escalating torment, means the adult presence can feel somewhat peripheral. Nevertheless, it underscores the intense, isolated world the young protagonists inhabit.

Release Details: When and Where to Catch This Intense Film

Ready to experience the psychological dread for yourself? The Plague will first open in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, just in time for the holidays.

Following its limited debut, the film will expand to a wide release across the country on Friday, January 2, 2026. With a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes and an R rating, be prepared for an intense and unflinching look at the horrors of adolescence.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Plague"

What is The Plague movie about? The Plague is a psychological thriller drama set at an all-boys water polo camp, where a socially anxious 12-year-old named Ben gets caught up in a cruel tradition targeting an outcast, Eli, with a fabricated illness called "The Plague." The film explores themes of bullying, peer pressure, and masculinity as the lines between reality and psychological torment blur. Who stars in The Plague? The film stars Joel Edgerton as the coach, along with promising newcomers Everett Blunck as Ben, Kenny Rasmussen as Eli, and Kayo Martin as Jake. When does The Plague release in theaters? The Plague will have a limited release in New York and Los Angeles on December 24, 2025, followed by a nationwide wide release on January 2, 2026. Is The Plague a horror movie? It's described as a psychological thriller drama with elements of body horror and psychodrama, blending coming-of-age themes with social dread. While not a conventional jump-scare horror, it delves into deep, unsettling psychological territory. Your Takeaways Before You Dive into "The Plague"

• Prepare for a unique blend of psychological thriller, body horror, and coming-of-age drama that’s already captivated critics.
• Expect powerful performances from both veteran Joel Edgerton and the talented young cast, especially Everett Blunck and Kenny Rasmussen.
• Mark your calendars for a limited theatrical release starting December 24, 2025, expanding nationwide on January 2, 2026.
• Be ready for a thought-provoking film that uses its unsettling premise to explore the dark side of adolescence and social dynamics, making you question where the "true disease" lies.

Sources

• IndieWire, “‘The Plague’ Trailer: Summer Camp Is Hell, and So Is Adolescence, in a Twisted Fusion of Body Horror and ‘Lord of the Flies’”, Ryan Lattanzio, November 10, 2025.
• ComingSoon.net, “Joel Edgerton Movie The Plague Gets Haunting Trailer”, November 10, 2025.
• Bloody Disgusting, “The Plague Trailer Spreads Body Horror Cruelty and Adolescent Paranoia [Watch]”, Matt Konopka, November 10, 2025.
• JoBlo.com, “Charlie Polinger’s The Plague trailer takes a harsh look at a young boy’s torturous journey through adolescence”, Steve Seigh, November 10, 2025.
• Fresh Fiction, “‘THE PLAGUE’ Review: Charlie Polinger’s Brilliant Tale of Boyhood, Bullies and Body Horror”, Courtney Howard, November 4, 2025.
• First Showing, “Must See Trailer for ‘The Plague’ with Everett Blunck & Joel Edgerton”, Alex Billington, November 10, 2025.