About
Quick guide
خادم المشغّل
The Plague
2025798 دقيقة
دراماإثارة
تاريخ الإصدار
24 ديسمبر 2025
بلدان
United States of America, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Romania
إنتاجات
Spooky PicturesThe Space ProgramImage Nation Abu DhabiFive HenrysDoublethink
A socially awkward tween endures the ruthless hierarchy at a water polo camp, his anxiety spiraling into psychological turmoil over the summer.
About
Quick guide
A 12‑year‑old teen confronts bullying and a cruel rumor of contagion during a water‑polo summer camp.
Ben, a socially awkward tween, arrives at a boys’ water‑polo camp in 2003 hoping to fit in. When a rumor spreads that he has a contagious “plague” from a misfit teammate, the camp’s ruthless hierarchy turns his quiet anxiety into a psychological spiral. Over the summer, Ben struggles to maintain his dignity while facing relentless exclusion, harsh confrontations, and the crushing weight of adolescent expectations.
What to know
- Set in an all‑boys water‑polo camp during the 2003 summer.
- Main character is a 12‑year‑old named Ben.
- A rumor claims Ben is infected by a mysterious contagion.
- Co‑stars include Joel Edgerton as coach, Kayo Martin as popular Jake.
- The film blends psychological drama with subtle body‑horror elements.
- Dialogue drives much of the tension, rarely relying on action set pieces.
- The story explores themes of isolation, bullying, and conformity.
- The tone is dark and suspenseful, with a slow‑burn narrative arc.
Watch if
If you enjoy character‑driven thrillers that peel back the veneer of teenage life to expose anxiety, cruelty, and the fragility of belonging, you’ll find The Plague’s unsettling mood and sharp dialogue compelling.
Skip if
If you prefer light‑hearted summer romances, high‑octane action, or films with clear resolutions, this slow‑burn, psychologically tense drama may feel too heavy and drawn‑out for you.
dark tonepsychological elementsdialogue heavyintense actionsuspenseful
Camp Life and Hierarchy
Ben’s first days are a jigsaw of group dynamics: the dominant clique of Jake and his friends, the indifferent coach, and the quiet outsider Eli. The film sets up a clear social ladder that pressures newcomers to conform or be ostracized, foreshadowing the conflict to come.
Rumors and the Plague
A rumor spreads that Ben has contracted a mysterious ‘plague’ from Eli’s eczema. The story uses this rumor to explore how fear can be weaponized and how isolation can become contagious, driving the plot into a tense psychological spiral.
Ben’s Inner Turmoil
Ben’s internal struggle is portrayed through subtle facial cues and whispered dialogues. He battles between wanting acceptance and preserving his integrity, revealing the painful cost of trying to fit into a hostile environment.
The Coach’s Role
Joel Edgerton’s coach, nicknamed ‘Daddy Wags,’ oscillates between mentor and manipulator. His interactions with Ben expose the underlying tension between authority and adolescent rebellion.
Conflict and Confrontation
Physical bullying escalates into a dangerous confrontation that tests Ben’s resilience. The film’s action sequences, though limited, are stark and purposeful, emphasizing the stakes rather than spectacle.
Themes of Isolation
Isolation is a recurring motif: from Ben’s social exclusion to the literal isolation of the camp. The film questions whether isolation is self‑imposed or imposed by others, adding depth to its thriller elements.
Visual Style and Tone
Cinematography employs muted colors and tight framing to heighten claustrophobia. The use of water as a reflective surface adds a surreal layer that mirrors Ben’s internal turmoil.
Sound and Music
A tense score underscores Ben’s anxiety, while ambient sounds—waves, splashes, distant cheers—create an oppressive atmosphere that feels both realistic and uncanny.
Reception and Awards
Premiering at Cannes, the film earned a standing ovation and several festival accolades. Critics praise its psychological depth, strong performances, and unsettling tone.
Similar vibes
4 عنوان
The End of the Tour
Both focus on coming‑of‑age struggles and internal conflict in a summer setting.
فيلم
★7/10
Escape Room
Both employ claustrophobic settings to amplify psychological suspense.
فيلم
★5/10
The Darkest Minds
Both feature teen protagonists facing oppressive social hierarchies in a tense atmosphere.
فيلم
★7/10
The Inbetweeners
Both portray awkward teens navigating harsh social hierarchies.
مسلسل
★8/10
FAQ
50 Q&A
When does The Plague movie take place?
The movie The Plague takes place in the present day.
Is the plague in the movie real or just pretend?
The plague in the movie is not real; it's a made-up story.
How does Jake bully Ben?
Jake bullies Ben by physically pushing him and making fun of him.
What is the 'plague' in the movie The Plague?
The 'plague' in the movie is a nickname for a social outcast situation.
What happens at the end of The Plague movie?
At the end, Ben and Eli, who were outsiders, are shown dancing together, suggesting they have found acceptance.
What other movies has Everett Blunck been in?
Everett Blunck has been in other movies, but specific titles are not readily available.
What happens when Ben shows kindness to Eli?
When Ben is kind to Eli, it helps Eli feel less alone and starts to change the dynamic between them.
What is Eli's skin condition?
Eli has a skin condition that makes others uncomfortable and leads them to avoid him.
Who is Daddy Wags in The Plague movie?
Daddy Wags is a character who seems to be an authority figure at the camp.
What is the significance of the water polo camp in The Plague?
The water polo camp is the setting where the main characters experience social pressures and form connections.
Why do the other kids avoid Eli?
The other kids avoid Eli because of his noticeable skin condition.
What is the movie The Plague really about?
The movie The Plague is about bullying, friendship, and accepting people who are different.
Is the movie The Plague based on a book?
Information about whether The Plague is based on a book is not readily available.
Where does The Plague take place?
The movie The Plague takes place at a summer camp.
Who is Eli in The Plague?
Eli is a character at the camp who is avoided by others due to a skin condition.
Who directed The Plague movie?
The director of The Plague movie is not easily found.
What does the ending scene with Ben dancing mean?
The ending scene with Ben dancing suggests he has overcome his social anxieties and found a sense of belonging.
Who plays the main character Ben in The Plague?
The main character Ben in The Plague is played by an actor whose name is not readily available.
What is the role of Jake in The Plague?
Jake's role in The Plague is the main bully who targets Ben.
Who wrote The Plague movie?
The writer of The Plague movie is not easily found.
What is the movie The Plague about?
The movie The Plague is about a boy named Ben who goes to a summer camp and deals with bullying and making a friend.
What is the main theme of The Plague movie?
The main theme of The Plague movie is about overcoming social exclusion and the importance of empathy.
What is the 'cheese touch' comparison to The Plague?
The 'cheese touch' comparison likely refers to how characters are socially ostracized, similar to how Eli is treated in The Plague.
How does Ben try to fit in at the camp?
Ben tries to fit in at the camp by not drawing attention to himself and by eventually befriending Eli.
Who are the main actors in The Plague?
The main actors in The Plague are not easily identified.
Are there any deleted scenes from The Plague?
There is no readily available information about deleted scenes from The Plague.
What is the controversy around the movie's marketing?
Information regarding controversy around The Plague's marketing is not available.
What is the role of the coach in The Plague?
The coach in The Plague appears to be a figure of authority and guidance for the young swimmers.
What is the general feeling or tone of The Plague?
The Plague has a tone that explores dark themes and the psychological struggles of its characters.
What is the message of The Plague movie?
The Plague seems to convey messages about conformity, social pressures, and the darker aspects of human nature.
Is The Plague a horror movie?
The Plague is not typically classified as a horror movie, but rather a psychological drama with dark undertones.
What is the meaning of the synchronized swimming scene?
The synchronized swimming scenes in The Plague likely symbolize themes of unity, control, and the pressure to conform within a group.
How does the movie explore puberty and adolescence?
The movie explores puberty and adolescence through the intense social dynamics and psychological pressures experienced by the young characters.
What is the significance of the song 'I'm Feeling So Real'?
The song 'I'm Feeling So Real' may highlight the emotional state or experiences of the characters within the film.
Where was The Plague movie filmed?
Filming locations for The Plague are not specified in available information.
Who composed the music for The Plague?
Information about the composer for The Plague is not readily available.
How did The Plague perform at the box office?
Box office performance details for The Plague are not available.
What does the film say about conformity?
The film explores the pressures of conformity and the consequences of not fitting in.
How does the movie show the fear of being an outcast?
The movie illustrates the fear of being an outcast through the characters' anxieties and struggles with social acceptance.
What was the audience reaction to The Plague at Cannes?
Audience reaction to The Plague at Cannes is not widely documented.
What awards has The Plague won?
There is no readily available information about awards won by The Plague.
How does the film use water as a metaphor?
Water in the film is likely used as a metaphor for cleansing, submersion, or the overwhelming nature of emotions and social pressures.
Has Joel Edgerton been in other movies about bullying?
Information on Joel Edgerton's other roles related to bullying is not provided.
What happens to Eli in the end?
Details on what happens to Eli at the end of The Plague are not available.
How is The Plague similar to Lord of the Flies?
The Plague shares similarities with Lord of the Flies in its exploration of group dynamics, societal breakdown, and the darker side of human nature.
What is the psychological aspect of The Plague?
The psychological aspect of The Plague delves into themes of fear, paranoia, and the mental toll of isolation and social pressure.
When was The Plague movie filmed?
Filming dates for The Plague are not specified in the available information.
Is the ending of The Plague open to interpretation?
The ending of The Plague may be open to interpretation, given its exploration of complex psychological themes.
Does Ben ever get the plague?
Information on whether Ben contracts the plague is not available.
Does the movie explain where the plague came from?
The movie does not focus on explaining the origin of the plague in a literal sense, but rather uses it metaphorically.
