The Wasteland Reviewer

The Plague (2025) Written Review

What is the worst time in a person’s life? Adolescence. It sucks. All the changes. The bullying. The awkwardness. Desperately searching for your identity is such an exhausting endeavor. One of the worst possible environments for any kid is a campus full of bratty young boys who will just eat each other alive. That is certainly the story of The Plague. Set during a swimming camp, The Plague highlights the experience of Ben who is an awkward kid stuck between the bullies and the one kid who is even “weirder” than he is. This lean drama takes young Ben on a journey that is filled with pain, struggle, and revelations about oneself. 

How does writer/director Charlie Polinger bring this story to life? This is a raw and intense cinematic experience. From the opening shot, you can tell there is a distinct eye and vision that Polinger and cinematographer Steven Breckon brings to the table. There are distinct needle drops that bring plenty of personality and vibes to the film as well. There might be some distinct cinematic voice in the film, but what is most impressive is just how intense and engrossing the film truly is. This is one of the most uncomfortable and authentic cinematic experiences this year. The titular element of the film is brought to life as an uncomfortable rash that brings some disturbing body horror to this film (quite unexpectedly). There are funny moments in that these pre-teen boys all think that they are the funniest people in the world. There is a lot of malice and cruelty as well that Polinger captures so organically. This is quite the triggering experience all around and that makes it so engrossing. The film even boasts quite the cathartic finale moments. 

How does this script capture this specific yet engrossing experience? All these kids are written so perfectly. Few films have captured this age so authentically. I (as formerly a pre-teen boy) have met so many of these kids before. The bullying in this film feels so real and uncomfortable which underscores the experience so well. The way the story builds and unfolds is expertly crafted and structured, making the experience so effective. Ben, our protagonist, is a kid stuck between fitting in and being accepting of a fellow outcast. The way his journey goes is authentic, impactful, and believable. The film challenges its protagonist and its audience in this tough social scenario which is full of tension, suspense, and moral quandaries. The metaphor of the titular “plague” and this social dynamic is quite impressive and impactful in expressing the themes of the film. Even the adult in the situation avoids stereotypes of wise coach/mentor tropes. Life is messy and so are social dynamics. The Plague captures that so authentically.

 What is the hidden gem of this film? This cast is incredible. The whole ensemble of young actors is so impressive. All these kids feel like they could have just been a group of kids chosen from a random swimming camp and put into this film. But the core members of the cast truly stand out. Everett Blunck is exceptional as our young protagonist. He sells the social awkwardness perfectly as he attempts to navigate this challenging situation. We see him navigate his bullying with plenty of emotion and he even ventures into some darker sides. His handling of the physical struggle with “The Plague” is impressively believable. Kenny Rasmussen is such a dynamic performer who has so much fun crafting this quirk outcast in Eli. But he also powers through some pain and anguish as well. Kayo Martin delivers one of the most aggravating antagonistic performances I have ever seen from a child. The looks on his face are too perfect…Martin might be a sociopath (he is that believable). Even Joel Edgerton makes an impact as their coach. His ability to balance his attempts at sage-like wisdom with his own awkwardness and insecurities is quite impressive. 

How does The Plague stack up in the heart of awards season? Polinger delivers one of the best films during that time of year that all the films are swinging for the fences. This is an expertly crafted thriller that puts you on edge through this lean runtime. The cast feels so organic and the film captures its themes and scenarios perfectly in the most uncomfortable of ways. Young stars in the making anchor down this compelling and engrossing cinematic experience.