The Plague

2025

Drama / Thriller

26
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Certified Fresh 97% · 99 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 66% · 50 ratings
IMDb Rating 6.5/10 10 4284 4.3K

Top cast

Joel Edgerton as Daddy Wags
Geo Dobre as Old Man
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB 1080p.WEB.x265 2160p.WEB.x265
903.22 MB
1280*534
English 2.0
R
Subtitles us  fr  
23.976 fps
1 hr 38 min
Seeds 100+
1.81 GB
1920*800
English 5.1
R
Subtitles us  fr  
23.976 fps
1 hr 38 min
Seeds 100+
1.64 GB
1920*800
English 5.1
R
Subtitles us  fr  
23.976 fps
1 hr 38 min
Seeds 100+
4.37 GB
3840*1600
English 5.1
R
Subtitles us  fr  
24 fps
1 hr 38 min
Seeds 100+

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by brentsbulletinboard 8 / 10

A Powerful Message in an Unlikely Medium

Bullying and calculated ostracism have been around seemingly forever, but, in recent years, such antisocial behavior has increasingly been receiving the disparaging attention it truly deserves. Interestingly, the latest voice added to that welcome chorus of criticism comes from a somewhat unlikely source, the excellent and insightful debut feature film from writer-director Charlie Polinger. Set in a summertime water polo camp for tweeners, the picture follows the exploits of a group of impressionable adolescents who learn valuable life lessons on the dangers of the aforementioned toxic behavior and attitudes. At the center of this psychological thriller is idealistic, socially awkward Ben (skillfully portrayed by rising talent and Critics Choice Award nominee Everett Blunck), who struggles to fit in but, because of his profound sense of compassion and consideration, is often out of step with his more rambunctious (and frequently unkind) peers. He's confused by the scorn they inflict on others, most notably an unconventional nonconformist named Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), who's frequently marginalized for his unique views and decisively singular outlook on life. Eli's circumstances are made worse by the development of a severe skin rash that the bullies (led by alpha male Jake (Kayo Martin)) openly and cruelly refer to as "the plague," a condition that leads to his orchestrated ostracism. Ben is confused by this persistent ridicule and makes an effort to get to know his victimized colleague. But, in getting close to Eli, Ben also develops the same skin rash, causing him to be subjected to the kind of derision and mocking thrust upon Eli. Ben desperately tries to understand this uncalled-for treatment, frequently consulting his coach (Joel Edgerton), but he's often on his own to try and sort out this relentless disparagement. Life at what is supposed to be an enjoyable experience quickly becomes a living hell. What makes this story work so effectively is the filmmaker's skillful handling of the material, treating it almost as if it were constructed like a smart horror film - in many ways more chilling than a picture that needs to resort to gratuitous gore and excessive sensationalism to generate viewer gasps and frights (in this case, particularly at times when it appears the plague might actually be real and not just the menacing psychological fabrication of a bunch of teenage boys). This approach is significantly enhanced by the picture's atmospheric score and inventive cinematography, adding a scary undercurrent to an otherwise coming of age drama. Admittedly, there are times early on when the script could stand to be a little more sharply focused, but then that could also be chalked up to a reflection of the overwhelming confusion Ben experiences as he seeks to assimilate into this new, and sometimes-disturbing, environment. Some might also legitimately view this tale as somewhat clichéd at times, but the picture's message truly can't be overemphasized enough, especially for anyone who has ever been in on the receiving end of such reprehensible treatment. As this Cannes Film Festival and Independent Spirit Award nominee illustrates, there's no place in this world for this kind of behavior - no matter what environment is involved - and the film drives home that point with clarity, purpose and a mission to prevent it from continuing to plague us all.
Reviewed by RobertoB-183 8 / 10

A psychologically tormenting, slow-burn thriller

This film is well-crafted, impressively shot and filled with impeccable performances from it's young cast. The story is subtly grotesque, psychological tormenting and cleverly written. The Plague, submerges itself into a blur that tests the boundaries between fantasy and reality. The "plague" itself plays with the idea of an illness that might be real or imaginary and serving as a metaphor of how fabricated rumors can spread fear and insecurity. Furthermore, the film cunningly explores themes about the cruelty of adolescence, toxic masculinity, the pressures of conformity, physical insecurity, social hierarchies and the effects of social exclusion. It's disturbing, atmospheric, slow but overall thought-provoking.
Reviewed by ObviTheMargs 8 / 10

And the beat goes on

The Plague works on many levels however its narrative progression loses some plausibility here and there. And maybe that's because casting wise you have what appears to be native English speakers filming on location in Bucharest, Romania (per the end credits), and guessing budget wise / extras wise to maintain the premise of it being set somewhere in America you just don't have more of counselor / adult presence. But whatever. Just seems the characters would have a more pronounced path with secondary / tertiary cast. All of this said, the architecture of the primary building site is gorgeous. And the under water sequences paired with the sound design really pop. The arc of the story flows well with a welcome, satisfying closure of events. Otherwise the primary players bringing to life the awkward 13 year old male experience in 2003 (''Shake it like a salt shaker!'') at a summer camp do a fantastic job. And as a 51 year old man, in no way do I miss being 13 and having to navigate the seascape of status, hormones, and belonging. Dance floors optional.
Read more IMDb reviews

21 Comments

Be the first to leave a comment