Review: Charlie Polinger's Debut Film 'The Plague' Explores Adolescent Brutality
Charlie Polinger's first feature film 'The Plague' examines the harsh dynamics of adolescence through a 2003 water polo summer camp setting. The story follows 12-year-old Ben, played by Everett Blunck, as he navigates bullying and social pressure, particularly targeting an outsider named Eli, portrayed by Kenny Rasmussen. Joel Edgerton appears as a water polo coach who struggles to manage the escalating tensions. The film employs atmospheric cinematography by Steven Breckon and a score by Johan Lenox to create a horror-tinged portrayal of youth. Polinger drew from personal journals to depict realistic bullying scenarios.
Key facts
- Charlie Polinger wrote and directed his debut feature film 'The Plague'
- The story is set at a 2003 water polo summer camp in a brutalist facility
- Everett Blunck plays 12-year-old Ben, with Kenny Rasmussen as outsider Eli
- Joel Edgerton portrays a water polo coach named Daddy Waggs
- Cinematographer Steven Breckon shot the film on 35mm film
Entities
Artists
- Charlie Polinger
- Everett Blunck
- Kenny Rasmussen
- Joel Edgerton
- Steven Breckon
- Johan Lenox
Institutions
- Independent Film Company