The Plague marks the feature debut of American director Charlie Polinger. This psychological thriller has been selected for Un Certain Regard at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film stars Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck, and Elliott Heffernan, and is also in the running for the Caméra d’Or, awarded to the best first feature across all sections.
Portrayed as an exploration of group dynamics from childhood, The Plague tackles head-on issues of domination and symbolic violence. During the Cannes press conference, Thierry Frémaux described the film as focusing on "the sometimes difficult relationships between children, here within a water polo team, centered around bullying and a violence that must be addressed early on."
At a summer camp dedicated to water polo, Ben, a shy teenager, struggles to find his footing within a tight-knit group governed by unspoken rules and an unwavering hierarchy. As whispers of a mysterious plague begin to circulate, the already tense atmosphere shifts into a pervasive sense of unease.
Unwilling to accept this unseen threat, Ben gradually finds himself increasingly isolated. The lines between collective fear, superstition, and symbolic violence blur, giving way to a harsh power struggle among the boys. The story delves into group dynamics and how fear can be wielded as a tool for exclusion.
The official trailer will be uploaded as soon as it is released by the distributor.
The Plague is written and directed by Charlie Polinger, who previously gained recognition for his short film The Masque of the Red Death, produced by A24. Filmed in the United States, the movie maintains a concise runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes, delivering a tightly woven story that amplifies psychological suspense.
Premiered at Cannes in May 2025, the film continues its festival run, including a notable screening at the 2025 Deauville American Film Festival, where it wins the Critics' Choice Award. Its French theatrical release is scheduled for May 27, 2026, signaling a carefully phased rollout following its international debut.
Blending elements of psychological thriller and teen drama, The Plague creates an intimate world where the emphasis is on building subtle tension rather than outright action. The film follows a tradition of stories exploring youth violence and group dynamics, reminiscent of certain works from contemporary American indie cinema.
Through its realistic portrayal and focus on group dynamics, the film targets an adult and teenage audience that is receptive to dark coming-of-age stories and social issues such as bullying and identity formation.
The Plague
Film | 2025
Release in theaters: May 27, 2026
Thriller | Runtime: 1h35
Directed by Charlie Polinger | Starring Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck, Elliott Heffernan
Original title: The Plague
Country: United States
With The Plague, Charlie Polinger delivers his debut feature, exploring the themes of fear and exclusion within a realistic teen setting. Its selection in Un Certain Regard and its festival circuit underscore the film's focus on social observation, marking it as one of the notable breakthroughs in recent American independent cinema.
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