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The Plague
2025 98 min United States of America, United Arab Emirates R 12+
★7.2
Drama, Thriller
Director: Charlie Polinger
Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
A socially awkward tween endures the ruthless hierarchy at a water polo camp, his anxiety spiraling into psychological turmoil over the summer.
Budget:
$1M
US Gross:
$685,153
Worldwide:
$695,055
Starring
Joel Edgerton
Actor
Everett Blunck
Actor
Kayo Martin
Actor
Awards
Cannes Film Festival 2025
— Caméra d'Or
Key opinion
Charlie Polindzher’s debut, 'The Plague,' is a tense psychological drama that explores adolescent bullying and the horror of social isolation within a summer water polo camp. Critics largely praise the film's atmospheric direction and child performances, though some viewers find the slow-burn narrative and ambiguous ending unsatisfying.
| Acting | The young cast, particularly Everett Blunck and Kayo Martin, delivers authentic and grounded performances that anchor the film's realism. | |
| Cinematography | The director masterfully employs cinematography and sound design to craft a stifling, dread-filled atmosphere that effectively mirrors the protagonist's internal panic. | |
| Screenplay | By framing bullying through the lens of body horror and social contagion, the screenplay successfully elevates the story beyond a generic teen drama. | |
| Pacing | The film's contemplative and slow-burn tempo creates an immersive experience for some, while others find it tedious or unnecessarily dragged out. | |
| Ending | While some critics appreciate the subtle, non-preachy conclusion, others are frustrated by the lack of a clear cathartic climax or resolution. |