Charlie Polinger's feature debut, The Plague, is generating serious buzz for its unflinching look at bullying, body image, and the dark side of adolescence, hitting theaters soon.

TL;DR: Quick Bites on What You Need to Know

  • The Plague is a psychological thriller and coming-of-age drama from first-time director Charlie Polinger.
  • It explores intense themes of bullying and adolescent paranoia at an all-boys water polo camp.
  • Praised by critics and boasting an 11-minute standing ovation at Cannes, it opens December 24, 2025 (limited) and January 2, 2026 (wide).

Reliving the Uncomfortable Realities of Growing Up

Picture this: you're 12 years old, your body is doing all sorts of strange new things, and suddenly, fitting in feels like a high-stakes game. For many, adolescence is a minefield of insecurities, and unfortunately, it's often compounded by the casual cruelty of other kids. One reviewer even shared a personal story of being bullied for weighing 87 pounds due to Crohn's disease, highlighting how deeply these experiences can cut and how long the memories can linger. It's this raw, uncomfortable truth that writer-director Charlie Polinger tackles head-on in his debut feature, The Plague.

This isn't your typical feel-good coming-of-age story. Instead, Polinger plunges us into the world of an all-boys water polo camp, transforming the awkward and often brutal landscape of boyhood into something truly nightmarish. The film quickly earned acclaim, premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and captivating critics with its clever, slick approach to exploring bullying and the dark corners of the adolescent psyche.

A Sinister Game at Water Polo Camp

The core of The Plague centers on Ben (Everett Blunck), a socially anxious twelve-year-old whose life has recently been uprooted by his parents' divorce. Sent to the Tom Lerner Water Polo Summer Camp, Ben struggles to find his footing among returning students, especially the mop-headed ringleader Jake (Kayo Martin).

Ben soon gets pulled into a cruel tradition targeting an outcast named Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), who is ostracized due to a blotchy, acne-induced rash covering much of his body. The other campers have nicknamed his condition "The Plague," warning Ben to stay away lest he catch this mysterious, contagious illness that supposedly attacks the nervous system and turns brains to mush. What starts as a mean-spirited joke begins to blur with reality, pushing Ben into psychological turmoil as he fears the game might be hiding something genuinely sinister beneath the surface.

When Bullying Becomes Body Horror: The Film's Genre-Bending Approach

While some early buzz suggested The Plague might not be a "horror" film despite its title, the general consensus among critics points to a powerful blend of psychological thriller, coming-of-age drama, and genuine body horror. Director Charlie Polinger himself cited genre inspirations like Carrie, Raw, Black Swan, and Eighth Grade—films that explore the social terror of vulnerability, transformation, and the body. However, he noted that these narratives often center around young women, leading him to explore these themes from a male perspective.

This film isn't about jump scares; it's about the deep-seated dread of vulnerability and physical change, combined with the social terror of being an outcast. It delves into the loss of naiveté that comes with navigating cruel peer pressure and the unsettling feeling of not knowing what's real anymore. The "horror" here is deeply rooted in the uncomfortable realities of adolescent bodies and minds, making it a uniquely unsettling experience.

Spotlight on the Talented Ensemble Cast

The film features a compelling mix of seasoned talent and rising young stars. Joel Edgerton (known for films like Train Dreams and The Gift) takes on the role of the water polo coach, affectionately nicknamed "Daddy Wags." His presence lends a gravitas to the story, even as his character's authority struggles to contain the darker tensions brewing among the boys.

The young ensemble, however, truly drives the narrative. Everett Blunck delivers a captivating performance as the anxious protagonist Ben, navigating the rough tides of puberty and peer pressure. Kenny Rasmussen stands out as Eli, the "Plague boy," commanding both empathy and pity from the audience with his portrayal of a socially awkward outcast. Kayo Martin, making his feature debut, brings a raw honesty to Jake, the ringleader whose mischievous spirit often veils a deeper malevolence. The cast also includes Lennox Espy as Julian, Lucas Adler as Logan, Caden Burris as Matt, Kolton Lee as Corbin, and Elliott Heffernan as Tic Tac, all contributing to the camp's complex social hierarchy.

"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 along with these incredible producers and companies."

— Joel Edgerton, Actor and Producer

Critical Acclaim and Festival Buzz

The Plague made quite a splash at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section and earning an impressive 11-minute standing ovation. Critics were quick to praise Polinger's debut, with Alex Billington calling it "proper filmmaking firing on all cylinders." The film currently boasts a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling broad critical approval.

Reviewer Courtney Howard gave it a 4.5 out of 5, noting that its "stinging sentiments resonate on a grand scale to anyone who’s ever been bullied, or been the bully," and even suggested it "should be shown as essential text to middle schoolers." The overwhelming positive reception highlights the film's powerful narrative and exceptional craftsmanship.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Unsettling Atmosphere

The impactful atmosphere of The Plague is no accident. Director Charlie Polinger worked with a skilled creative team to bring his vision to life. Longtime collaborator and cinematographer Steven Breckon shot the film on 35mm in Romania, lending a beautifully bruising, cinematic quality to the visuals. The haunting score by Johan Lenox (known for collaborations with A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott) and the Emmy-winning sound design by Damian Volpe (The Lighthouse, The Northman) further immerse the audience in the film's psychological intensity.

The production also boasted a strong team of producers, including Derek Dauchy, Roy Lee (Barbarian, It), Lucy McKendrick, Steven Schneider (Split, Watcher), Lizzie Shapiro (Shiva Baby), and Joel Edgerton himself, under his Five Henrys banner. This collaborative effort ensured a high level of quality from script to screen, resulting in a film that is both artful and deeply disturbing.

Navigating the Film's Nuances and Potential Challenges

While The Plague has received widespread acclaim, its intense themes and narrative choices might present a challenge for some viewers. One aspect to consider is the film's deliberate ambiguity regarding whether "The Plague" is a real illness or purely a manifestation of psychological torment and bullying. This blurring of lines is central to the film's effectiveness as a psychological thriller, immersing the audience in Ben's escalating paranoia, but it might frustrate those who prefer a clearer, more definitive resolution. However, this ambiguity is a strength, forcing viewers to confront the insidious nature of fear and rumor.

Another point is the sheer intensity of the subject matter. The film unflinchingly portrays the cruelty of children and the profound impact of bullying, combined with elements of body horror. For anyone who has personally experienced similar dehumanizing torment during their formative years, this movie could be a difficult and potentially triggering watch. Yet, this visceral quality is precisely what Polinger aims for, intending to spark important conversations about vulnerability and traditional masculinity, showing that true horror often demands a willingness to be vulnerable.

A Hypothetical Summer Camp Scenario to Consider

Imagine a kid named Alex, a quiet and imaginative twelve-year-old, sent to a summer camp with the promise of "making new friends." Alex arrives, clutching a worn copy of his favorite fantasy novel, only to find the established cliques already running the show. He tries to connect over shared interests, but the dominant group, led by a charismatic but subtly cruel teen, latches onto his slightly unusual way of speaking, turning it into a running joke. Every stutter, every thoughtful pause, is met with an exaggerated imitation, slowly chipping away at his confidence. The film captures this exact dynamic, showcasing how seemingly small acts of cruelty can escalate, transforming a hopeful summer into a psychological battleground where every interaction feels like a threat.

Your Essential Viewing Guide to 'The Plague'

  • Mark Your Calendars: The Plague begins its limited theatrical run in New York and Los Angeles on December 24, 2025, perfect for a unique holiday viewing. It then expands nationwide on January 2, 2026, so keep an eye out at your local cinema.
  • Prepare for Intensity: This isn't light fare. Expect a gripping psychological thriller blended with a poignant coming-of-age drama and visceral body horror elements. It’s designed to be thought-provoking and, at times, unsettling.
  • Beyond the Scares: While it delves into horror, the film’s true power lies in its exploration of adolescent vulnerability, bullying, and toxic masculinity. It’s a compelling look at how fear and group dynamics can distort reality.
  • Award-Winning Quality: With rave reviews from Cannes and a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, you're in for a high-quality cinematic experience from an exciting new voice in filmmaking.

Frequently Asked Questions About 'The Plague'

What is 'The Plague' rated? The film is rated R, indicating its mature themes, intense psychological content, and elements of body horror. What is the runtime of 'The Plague'? The Plague has a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. Where can I watch 'The Plague'? The film will debut in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on December 24, 2025, before expanding to a wide release across the U.S. on January 2, 2026. Is 'The Plague' purely a horror movie? While it contains strong elements of body horror and psychological terror, The Plague is best described as a psychological thriller and a coming-of-age drama. It uses unsettling themes to explore the deeper anxieties of adolescence and bullying.

Sources

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  • First Showing, "Must See Trailer for 'The Plague' with Everett Blunck & Joel Edgerton," Alex Billington, November 10, 2025. URL: [Couldn't find direct URL in text, inferring from context]
  • GeekTyrant, "Unnerving Trailer for Haunting Coming of Age Drama THE PLAGUE Starring Everett Blunck and Joel Edgerton," Jessica Fisher, [about 13 hours ago]. URL: [Couldn't find direct URL in text, inferring from context]
  • Gold Derby, "Unnerving Trailer for Haunting Coming of Age Drama THE PLAGUE Starring Everett Blunck and Joel Edgerton," [No author listed], [No date listed, but refers to Nov 10, 2025 trailers]. URL: [Couldn't find direct URL in text, inferring from context]
  • Punch Drunk Critics, "‘The Plague’ Trailer: Joel Edgerton Stars In Charlie Polinger’s Acclaimed Bullying Horror," [No author listed], [No date listed, but refers to Nov 10, 2025 trailers]. URL: [Couldn't find direct URL in text, inferring from context]
  • SilverScreenRundown, "‘THE PLAGUE’ Review: Charlie Polinger’s Brilliant Tale of Boyhood, Bullies and Body Horror," Courtney Howard, November 4, 2025. URL: [Couldn't find direct URL in text, inferring from context]
  • Bloody Disgusting, "The horrors of adolescence are physically manifested in the trailer for The Plague," Alex DiVincenzo, [No date listed, but refers to Nov 10, 2025 trailers]. URL: [Couldn't find direct URL in text, inferring from context]
  • FANGORIA, "Unnerving Trailer for Haunting Coming of Age Drama THE PLAGUE Starring Everett Blunck and Joel Edgerton," Amber T, [No date listed, but refers to Nov 10, 2025 trailers]. URL: [Couldn't find direct URL in text, inferring from context]