Key Highlights
- The film “The Plague” is a debut feature by Charlie Polinger.
- The movie stars Joel Edgerton as the head coach of a summer water polo camp for boys.
- “The Plague” premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2025 and will be released on December 24, 2025.
- Ben, an outcast among his peers, becomes part of a ritualistic tradition targeting him with an illness called “the plague.”
The Plague: A Debut Feature by Charlie Polinger
In his debut feature, filmmaker Charlie Polinger explores the harrowing world of adolescence through the lens of a summer water polo camp. The film, titled “The Plague,” delves into the darker aspects of youth and camaraderie, blending elements of body horror with the psychological thriller genre.
A Unique Coming-of-Age Story
The narrative centers around Ben (Everett Blunck), a socially anxious 12-year-old boy who becomes an outcast among his peers at the camp. In this twisted environment, Ben is caught up in a ritualistic tradition where one of their own is targeted with what they believe to be “the plague.” As the lines between imagination and reality blur, it raises questions about the true nature of this imagined illness.
Body Horror and Psychological Thriller
“The Plague” is described as a psychodrama-meets-body horror movie. Writer/director Polinger was inspired by the dread-filled horror films that capture social fear and vulnerability, such as Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” The film uses its shot-on-film aspect to create a throwback atmosphere reminiscent of classic coming-of-age movies but with a chilling twist.
Cast and Production
The film stars Joel Edgerton in the role of the boys’ coach, who proves to be out of his depth when faced with the cruelties inflicted upon the young campers. IndieWire’s review from Cannes praised Polinger for playing with broad riffs on coming-of-age themes and body horror, ultimately focusing on two contrasting 12-year-old boys as the emotional core of the film.
Release Date and Distribution
“The Plague” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, where Polinger spoke about shooting the film during a sweltering summer season. The movie is set to open in select theaters on December 24, 2025, with an expansion planned for January 2, 2026.
The film’s exploration of adolescent social dynamics and the psychological impacts of such environments offers a compelling look into the darkest corners of youth. As “The Plague” prepares for its release, audiences are invited to experience this unique blend of horror and coming-of-age storytelling.
