Preview by Jon Donnis
Vertigo Releasing has confirmed the upcoming digital release of the thriller The Plague, a tense coming of age drama that explores the darker side of childhood group dynamics. The film stars Joel Edgerton, known for Train Dreams and The Gift, who also serves as a producer on the project. Alongside him are newcomers Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin and Kenny Rasmussen, all taking on key roles in the unsettling story.
The Plague first drew attention during its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received an extraordinary reception. The screening ended with an eleven minute standing ovation and the film also picked up the Best Sound Creation Award, highlighting the strength of its atmospheric and immersive design.
Set during the summer of 2003, the story unfolds at an all boys summer water polo camp where twelve year old Ben struggles to find his place. Socially anxious and eager to belong, he finds himself navigating a brutal and unspoken hierarchy among the other boys. When Ben befriends Eli, an isolated camper who is shunned by others because they believe he carries a contagious "plague", he becomes drawn into a disturbing culture of scapegoating and intimidation.
What begins as teasing slowly shifts into something far more unsettling. As the boys push the limits of what they consider a game, Ben starts to realise how easily cruelty can hide behind laughter and peer pressure. The experience forces him to confront his own role in what is happening and the frightening price that can come with trying to fit in.
The film is written and directed by Charlie Polinger, marking his feature film debut. Through a mix of tension and dark humour, The Plague examines ideas around masculinity, belonging and the way group behaviour can spiral into something deeply harmful.
The Plague will be available to watch digitally from 20 April 2025 on Amazon, Apple TV, Sky Store, YouTube Movies, EE TV and Rakuten.
Apple TV - https://apple.co/4aPv7Yt
