Los Angeles, CA – January 2, 2026
Charlie Polinger’s directorial debut, The Plague, has hit wide release and is earning overwhelming praise from critics. Released on January 2, 2026, the psychological thriller has been described as a “21st-century Lord of the Flies,” transforming ordinary teenage anxieties into a chilling, unforgettable story.
Set in the summer of 2003, the film follows 12-year-old Ben (Everett Blunck), a shy newcomer navigating the brutal social hierarchy of an all-boys water polo camp. Conflict arises when a group of “cool kids,” led by the intimidating Jake (Kayo Martin), fixates on outcast Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), claiming he carries a contagious “plague” because of a rash. Ben is forced into a terrifying game of scapegoating and peer-driven fear.
Joel Edgerton stars as Coach “Daddy Wags,” a well-meaning but largely ineffective adult whose guidance underscores the isolation and cruelty the boys face. Critics praise the film for its dark coming-of-age narrative, commentary on toxic masculinity, and unflinching portrayal of childhood cruelty.
Shot on 35mm film in Bucharest, Romania, by cinematographer Steven Breckon, The Plague features a grainy, retro aesthetic that complements Johan Lenox’s intense, bombastic score. The film runs 98 minutes and carries an R rating for language, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
Rotten Tomatoes certified the film at 100% fresh, with a Metacritic score of 75/100. While some reviewers found it overly slow and stylistically heavy, most agree it is one of the most vital films of the season, capturing the stomach-churning intensity of adolescence with haunting clarity.
