The Plague

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The Plague

1h 38m

Horror

Drama

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Popcornmeter

100%

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16 Reviews

Popcornmeter

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In the summer of 2003, at an all-boys summer water polo camp, socially anxious twelve-year-old Ben struggles to fit in amidst a ruthless social hierarchy. When he befriends Eli -- a lonely, acne-ridden outcast shunned by the others for allegedly carrying a contagious "plague" -- Ben becomes entangled in a cruel, escalating ritual of scapegoating and fear. As the lines between teasing and real harm blur, Ben is forced to confront his own complicity and the terrifying cost of belonging. A tense, darkly humorous coming-of-age story about masculinity, peer pressure, and the horrors that fester when cruelty masquerades as a game.

Charlie Polinger

Director

Joel Edgerton

Daddy Wags

Everett Blunck

Ben

Kayo Martin

Jake

Kenny Rasmussen

Eli

Lennox Espy

Julian

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Tomris Laffly

Elle

A terrific debut that brings thriller vibes to an all-boys summer camp for water polo, this brilliantly written feature ingeniously utilizes the staple moves of horror.

Jun 10, 2025

Full Review

Jessica Kiang

Variety

Drawn from experience and benefiting from some standout performances among its well-selected young cast, The Plague has a familiar coming-of-age narrative, but stranger, subtler undercurrents of creeping dismay at the men these boys will become.

May 17, 2025

Full Review

Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

Charlie Polinger dives into familiar waters with confident direction of young performers and an ability to wring tension even with a story that is on a relatively predictable rail.

May 17, 2025

Full Review

Steven Prokopy

Third Coast Review

This is the type of film that makes you equal parts eager and scared to see what this new filmmaker will do next.

Rated: 3.5/4

Sep 26, 2025

Full Review

Rua Fay

Cinemasters

The Plague has some of the most extraordinary cinematography, direction, music, and performances seen at Cannes so far

Rated: 4/4

Jul 21, 2025

Full Review

Wael Khairy

The Cairo Scene

A chilling descent into the horrors of bullying...There’s a particular kind of ache that comes from betraying your own sense of right and wrong just to avoid becoming a target yourself. The film is one of the most promising debuts of the year.

Jul 2, 2025

Full Review

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Synopsis

In the summer of 2003, at an all-boys summer water polo camp, socially anxious twelve-year-old Ben struggles to fit in amidst a ruthless social hierarchy. When he befriends Eli -- a lonely, acne-ridden outcast shunned by the others for allegedly carrying a contagious "plague" -- Ben becomes entangled in a cruel, escalating ritual of scapegoating and fear. As the lines between teasing and real harm blur, Ben is forced to confront his own complicity and the terrifying cost of belonging. A tense, darkly humorous coming-of-age story about masculinity, peer pressure, and the horrors that fester when cruelty masquerades as a game.

Director: Charlie Polinger
Producer: Lizzie Shapiro, Lucy McKendrick, Joel Edgerton, Steven Schneider, Roy Lee, Derek Dauchy
Screenwriter: Charlie Polinger
Distributor: Independent Film Company
Production Co: Five Henrys Productions, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Spooky Pictures, The Space Program, Hellcat
Genre: Horror, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 24, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 38m