The Plague

**In “The Plague,” directed by Charlie Polinger, we step into the chaotic world of a summer water polo camp that feels less like a sunny retreat and more like a cauldron of social pressure. The film follows our protagonist, played by the talented Everett Blunck, a socially awkward tween whose struggle to fit in is palpable from the very first frame. Honestly, you get sucked into his anxiety, a tension that builds and twists, almost as if the environment itself is working against him.

As the summer unfolds, you can’t help but feel the weight of the ruthless hierarchy among the campers. The dynamics are intense, and the cringe-worthy moments are enough to make you squirm in your seat. Joel Edgerton shines as the overly competitive camp coach, whose tough-love approach feels more toxic than motivating. And then there’s Kenny Rasmussen, whose charismatic but cutthroat nature pushes our young protagonist further into the depths of psychological turmoil.

It’s wild how something as seemingly simple as a water polo camp can turn into a survival game of sorts. The script is fairly tight, running for 98 minutes, but every minute feels heavy with unspoken fears and adolescent rage. You’re rooting for Blunck’s character, wishing he could just find a way to stand up for himself, to break free from the vicious cycle that makes him feel so small. You see his world spiral, and the angst is so on point that you can almost taste it…

Elliott Heffernan and Geo Dobre add their own flavor to this ensemble, each portraying characters that either challenge or further alienate our central figure. You’d think they’re just kids at camp, right? But the narrative digs deeper, exploring themes that resonate beyond the summer haze. As we watch the days pass, the tension mounts, leaving you on the edge of your seat… because honestly, who hasn’t felt trapped in a situation where they just didn’t belong?

Overall, “The Plague” is a haunting exploration of youth, anxiety, and survival in a world that can feel overwhelmingly lonely. It’s a film that might just leave you feeling shook, reflecting on the times in your own life when you felt similarly lost. And while it carries a rating of 6.5, it’s more than just numbers; it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Don’t miss it on Paramount+.