I just walked out of 'The Plague' and honestly, I need a minute. My heart is still pounding a little. It's one of those movies that doesn't just end when the credits roll—it sits with you. I'm thinking about that poor kid, that suffocating feeling of being trapped in a world that's supposed to be fun. It brought back some uncomfortable memories of my own awkward school days, the kind you try to forget. More than a thriller, it felt like a deep, painful dive into adolescent anxiety. I'm still unpacking it.
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What's The Plague About?
The movie follows this incredibly awkward 12-year-old boy at a competitive water polo summer camp. On the surface, it's about sports and summer, but it quickly becomes a psychological study of how brutal kids can be to each other. It's less about winning games and more about surviving the social hierarchy. The pressure builds slowly, turning what should be an adventure into a kind of quiet nightmare.
What Works in The Plague
- ✓ Everett Blunck's performance as the main kid was heartbreakingly real. I believed every flinch and anxious glance.
- ✓ The sound design was masterful. The constant sloshing of water and muffled shouts created this immersive, claustrophobic feeling.
- ✓ Director Charlie Polinger didn't go for cheap jump scares. The horror is psychological, which is far more effective and lasting.
- ✓ The cinematography in the pool scenes was stunning. The way light fractured underwater felt both beautiful and terrifying.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The middle section dragged a bit for me. I felt the spiral of anxiety could have been tightened by about 10 minutes.
- ✗ Some of the supporting campers felt like generic bullies, not fully fleshed-out characters.
- ✗ The ending, while powerful, felt a little abrupt. I wanted just a bit more closure on one particular relationship.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a scene where the boy is treading water alone in the deep end at night, and the camera stays on his face as he just... breaks. No big music swell, just silent tears mixing with chlorinated water. It wrecked me. Another moment that stuck was a simple lunchroom sequence where he's trying to find a place to sit. The camera pans across tables of laughing kids, and the sheer loneliness of it was a punch to the gut. It's those small, authentic moments that hit hardest.
Main Cast: Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, Joel Edgerton, Kenny Rasmussen, Lucas Adler
Direction, Music & Visuals
Polinger's direction is confident and patient. He lets scenes breathe, building dread through silence and awkwardness rather than plot. The cinematography is a star—using tight close-ups on faces to show internal panic, and wide shots to emphasize isolation. Joel Edgerton, as a gruff coach, is perfectly cast, adding another layer of adult pressure. The score is minimal but effective, mostly using ambient noise to build unease. It's a technically crisp film that serves the story, not the other way around.
Director: Charlie Polinger
Who Should Watch The Plague?
If you appreciate slow-burn, character-driven dramas that explore psychological states, this is for you. Fans of movies like 'The Florida Project' or 'The Spectacular Now' that handle adolescence with raw honesty will connect deeply. It's also great for anyone who likes thrillers that get under your skin through realism rather than supernatural elements.
Who Might Want to Skip?
If you're looking for a fast-paced, action-packed thriller or a traditional sports movie, you'll be bored. Also, if you're not in the mood for a heavy, emotionally draining experience about childhood trauma, maybe pick something lighter.
Final Verdict
I would absolutely recommend 'The Plague,' but with the caveat that it's a challenging watch. It's brilliantly made and phenomenally acted, but it's not an easy or entertaining night out. It's a film that makes you feel and remember. I'm glad I saw it, and it will stay with me, but I don't know if I could put myself through that emotional wringer again anytime soon. It's a powerful, important piece of work.
