Writer/Director Charlie Polinger Tackles Teenage Boy Body Horror in his Debut Feature ‘The Plague’ [VIDEO INTERVIEW]
At first, adolescence feels like an exciting transition between childhood and adulthood marked by an increase in autonomy, a newfound personal identity, and a future bursting with potential. In reality, it’s a hazy period bogged down by a mercurial disposition, immense physical changes, and an onslaught of peer-related pressures stemming from a deep sense of social belonging. Under the seemingly still surface of a teenager’s clear, or soon to be acne-riddled, complexion is a violent cacophony of thoughts that balances fitting in with one’s everchanging moral code, all the while trying to maintain some sense of stability and happiness. It’s no wonder many people try to block out memories of these formative years, yet this perfect storm is exactly what Charlie Polinger daringly examines in his feature debut, The Plague.
This film is a daring and vulnerable dive into the many stresses teenage boys face while at a water polo camp. The newest addition to the group of twelve and thirteen-year-olds is Ben, compellingly portrayed by Everett Blunck as a socially anxious teen with divorced parents and who has just moved towns. He tries his best to stay afloat by respecting coach and mentor Daddy Wags (Joel Edgerton) and assimilating to the rest of the outspoken, judgmental teammates. He even tries to befriend ringleader Jake (Kayo Martin in an intimidating, chilling debut) despite Jake immediately embarrassing him at lunch. Soon after, he learns about “The Plague,” a metaphorical illness contracted by outcast Eli (Kenny Rasmussen) that may actually be more real than it seems.
Since its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, The Plague has been featured at over a dozen international festivals and garnered a number of awards and mentions. Most recently, it was nominated at the Film Independent Spirit Awards for Best Feature, Best Lead Performance for Everett Blunck, and Best Breakthrough Performance for Kayo Martin; and at the Critics Choice Awards for Best Young Actor for Blunck. Polinger has also been noted for his direction, which proves to be no small feat considering how the ominous tone emanates from every angle and provides a dark, immersive experience, like how the score creates tense strokes out of breathy voices and shooting on 35mm film allows for a grittier appearance while also capturing stunning underwater sequences.
I spoke with Polinger about his development of this semi-autobiographical project and what inspired him to bring such a collection of turbulent memories to the surface. The AFI Conservatory alumnus also explains his motivations for expanding on one of his earlier shorts with similar themes, Sauna (2017), and speaks highly of his team, some of which will continue to collaborate with him on his next project, The Masque of the Red Death. The Plague is a captivating, atmospheric film that wields adolescence as a resource instead of just being a traumatic memory while establishing Polinger as an exhilarating new voice and one of the most anticipated filmmakers to watch.
The Plague is being released by Independent Film Company in a limited run on December 24, 2025 before expanding nationwide on January 2, 2026.
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