‘The Plague’ Review – A Cold And Unforgiving Adolescent Psychological Thriller

Synopsis:

At an all-boys water polo camp, a socially anxious twelve-year-old is pulled into a cruel tradition targeting an outcast with an illness they call “The Plague.” But as the lines between game and reality blur, he fears the joke might be hiding something real.

We may not agree on much, but we can all admit it: puberty sucks. Our voice changes, our skin gets worse, and no part of our body can agree on a growth speed. As we begin smelling like a subway sandwich with extra onions because deodorant is a foreign concept, to make matters worse, we start feeling every emotion simultaneously; it’s like a chaotic hormonal food fight. Oh, and I forgot the real kicker: it can happen way earlier than expected. Parents and teachers can teach and prepare you for when the day comes, but when the teasing and bullying start, all you can do is survive.

“Why are you doing this to me?”

Are you sure you want to be young again? Prepare to remember just how mean kids can be. Written and directed by Charlie Polinger, The Plague is a cold and unforgiving adolescent psychological thriller. An allegory for the isolating, shocking, and sudden nature of puberty, this bully-or-get-bullied narrative of tribalism and ostracism is an all too familiar teenage horror. Featuring a phenomenal young ensemble cast, an unnerving score, and an atmosphere that is flooded with tension and anxiety, this film is a captivating hormone-driven ride.

Set in 2003, the stylized debauchery is soaked with young millennial language, attitude, fashion, and, of course, the hurtful jokes. This was an era that was no-holds-barred when it came to pranking and playing jokes on one another. Whether you were on the receiving end or the one pulling the prank, it always went too far, and what unfolds in this film is a shining example. Wasting little time, the audience is pushed into the deep end without being asked if it can swim. Unwanted nicknames are quickly given, profanities are carelessly thrown around, and we are introduced to a subtle yet. malicious game called The Plague.

Not to give too much away, but you can liken the game to Cooties or the Cheese Touch. Through the consensus of other boys and some visible differences, like acne, you become a social leper who is supposedly contagious. You are to be avoided at all costs and barely included in activities; that doesn’t always bode well for the social and mental development of twelve and thirteen-year-olds. But what happens when catching the plague is unavoidable? What do you do when you’re the new kid and you just got accepted, and now you might be an outcast? Not only is the story thrilling and impactful, but it’s also relatable on multiple levels. While it may take place in a bygone era, socially, teens are relatively the same in every generation. If I had to compare, The Plague is like Lord of the Flies meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid, with a little Full Metal Jacket.

“I don’t want to infect you.”

Blanketed in cool tones of blue and moody lighting, its calming aesthetic is juxtaposed with worry, restlessness, and a heightened sense of otherness. Moreover, its score and cinematography are what propel The Plague from good to great. And while it does set out to thrill, it’s ultimately a story of self-discovery, empathy, perseverance, and puberty. From the physical changes, the changes in conversation to embarrassing and uncontrollable moments; it’s all there. Teetering into body horror territory and just the drama and politics of being a young person, this film is truly a gem that has a wide reach. With its sharp script and tremendous direction, The Plague should definitely infect your screen. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

The Plague features a perfect pace for the cold tone and lonely aesthetic that permeates the film. Immediately jumping headfirst into the plot, we enter a rambunctious world of teenage hierarchy. What follows is a nonstop barrage of teasing and gaslighting. What really pops is the superb acting by this mostly young ensemble. One of the best performances is by newcomer Kayo Martin.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: JOEL EDGERTON, EVERETT BLUNCK, KAYO MARTIN, AND KENNY RASMUSSEN

Whether you were the bully, the entourage, or the one getting bullied, these fantastic and transportative performances will take you back to a simpler, albeit turbulent time. There are two in particular that stand out among the rest. Everett Blunck wows as he comes across like a young Jesse Eisenberg, full of anxious energy. His character Ben, or Soppy, exudes empathy and compassion, but like most kids, he also wants to fit in. Watching Ben mature throughout the film showcases just how talented Blunck is. Then there’s newcomer Kayo Martin, who has natural charisma and undeniable magnetism, even if his character Jake is an asshole. He’s the embodiment of the cool kid who has everything but is internally sad, probably lacks attention at home. Therefore, he takes it out on others and doesn’t know why. If Blunck and Martin continue to perform like this, we’ll be talking about them for years to come.

The Plague was released in select theaters on December 24, 2025, and with a wide release on January 2, 2026, courtesy of IFC Films.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 38m Director: CHARLIE POLINGER Writer: CHARLIE POLINGER Director of Photography: STEVEN BRECKON Composer: JOHAN LENOX Sound Designer: DAMIAN VOLPE Casting Director: REBECCA DEALY