Exploring the Themes of Bullying and Body Horror in "The Plague"

"The Plague," directed by Charlie Polinger, is a debut feature film that intertwines themes of adolescence, bullying, and body horror within the setting of an all-boys summer water polo camp. The narrative follows Ben, a socially anxious 12-year-old, who becomes embroiled in a cruel tradition that targets an outcast with an illness referred to as "the plague." As the story unfolds, the line between the imagined social disease and reality blurs, suggesting deeper implications of puberty and social dynamics among boys.

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The film serves as an allegory for the struggles of growing up, particularly the cruelty that can manifest during adolescence. Polinger's work draws parallels to other coming-of-age films, such as Bo Burnham's "Eighth Grade" and Julia Ducournau's "Raw," which explore vulnerability and social dread. The director emphasizes the importance of capturing the emotional landscape of young boys, who often face unique challenges in expressing their fears and insecurities.

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Joel Edgerton, who stars as the boys' coach, praised Polinger's vision, stating, “From script to completion this film has always had a very strong vision. Charlie Polinger is a filmmaker with a great future ahead.” This sentiment reflects the film's ambitious approach to tackling sensitive subjects through a horror lens.

Charlie Polinger’s The Plague trailer takes a harsh look at a young boy’s torturous journey through adolescence

While the film has garnered interest for its unique take on adolescence, some critics may question the effectiveness of blending body horror with coming-of-age themes. The portrayal of bullying and its psychological impact could be seen as potentially triggering for audiences, particularly those with personal experiences of similar situations.

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"The Plague" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and is set to open in select theaters on December 24, with an expansion planned for January 2. The film's release is highly anticipated, given its exploration of complex themes and its stylistic choices, including the use of 35mm film to evoke a timeless quality.

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• “I love those movies about boys, though I often feel like a lot of movies about young boys are either a little more sort of bro-y hangout or a little more nostalgic, kind of biking-around-the-suburbs type of thing,” — Charlie Polinger, Writer/Director

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• “Charlie Polinger is a filmmaker with a great future ahead. I’m proud to have been part of his first film along with these incredible producers and companies.” — Joel Edgerton, Actor

Charlie Polinger’s The Plague trailer takes a harsh look at a young boy’s torturous journey through adolescence

"The Plague" stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of the darker aspects of adolescence, utilizing horror elements to reflect on bullying and the challenges of growing up. As it prepares for its theatrical release, the film invites audiences to confront the complexities of youth and the often harsh realities of social interactions among boys.

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