Charlie Polinger's film, 'The Plague,' made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 in the Un Certain Regard category. The film delves into the harsh realities of pre-adolescent cruelty within an all-boys water polo camp. It explores themes of power dynamics, exclusion, and the emergence of masculinity among young boys.
The story revolves around Ben, a newcomer, played by Everett Blunck, who witnesses the bullying of Eli (Kenny Rasmussen) by Jake (Kayo Martin) and other teammates. Joel Edgerton portrays the coach, who seems overwhelmed by the events unfolding at the camp. The film aims to capture the authentic struggles of boys dealing with shame, conformity, and social anxiety.
'The Plague' avoids stereotypical portrayals, offering a compelling and humorous depiction of a critical stage in young boys' lives. It highlights the complexities of growing up and the pressures of fitting in, set against the backdrop of a summer water polo program.