By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Charlie Polinger
Starring: Arianna Baraitaru | Everett Blunck | Joel Edgerton | Kayo Martin | Kenny Rasmussen
Year: 2025
Running time: 95
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32792934/
Diane says: “Oh, it’s fun to revisit adolescence, isn’t it? Charlie Polinger’s THE PLAGUE plunks us right in the terrifying (male) tween years, with the bully, the eccentric, and the new kid who is forced to negotiate between his social instincts and his morals. It’s pretty intense. And if, between the blood and water (water polo camp is the setting here) you’re not terrorized enough, there’s the crazy soundtrack blasting your mind.
“Everett Blunck as new-to-the-group Ben shows another side from his fine comedic turn in GRFFIN IN SUMMER. If this were 2025 Chlotrudis-eligible (it’s 2026), Blunck would have to get the breakout award.
“I’ll be nominating the bully, Kayo Martin, for best perf (next year). He manages the charm, the turn-on-a-dime facial expressions, the manipulation superbly. Tnx to Jessica for pointing out that the choreographer from ANN LEE worked on this film too. Also of note: underwater scenes that used digital effects were mesmerizing; it was filmed in Romania; and much of the dialogue was improvised.
“Not a movie I enjoyed watching, and I maintain a more positive view of post-adolescent life than screenwriter/director Polinger seems to. To cleanse my brain, I need to find an interview with Blunk and Kayo Martin, where they relate as nice people. 4 cats.”
Diane says: “You could not get me to coach a dozen 13-year old miscreant water polo playing males even if you paid me as much as Joel Edgerton. If anything, Everett Blunck is even better here than in GRIFFIN IN SUMMER; walking out of the theater, I said to Michael Colford, “He’s an Elliot Page-level talent”. Pray that Hollywood (or at least a thoughtful director) knows what to do with him. 4 cats“