This is one of those twisted and real movies that displays social pressure from an adolescent point of view. The setting is in a place where anxiety is provoked and at the same time horrific moments come around. Written and directed by Charlie Polinger, this is The Plague. A film set at a water polo campwhere there may be roughness in the water, but also poolside as well. Suspense lingers in many forms. I found this film to be one of enrichment, because fitting in never comes easy for tweens.

The film’s main character is Ben, played by Everett Blunck. His enrollment in a water polo camp seems promising at first. It is run by a swim coach named Daddy Wags, played by Joel Edgerton. The camp though, has some rowdy kids on its roster.Ben fits in at first but then realizes that the social pressure comes around easily. The title of the film speaks for itself, because once everyone shouts that someone has “THE PLAGUE” it labels the individual as an outcast.

The film spirals with confusion and tension, as Ben finds himself at odds with fellow camp attendees. The one who he finds himself to be in the most confrontations with is Jake, played by Kayo Martin. The direction of Polinger displays a young force of rebelliousness among early adolescents. A creative tone is set for a film of psychological drama and a thriller that dazzles incessantly. The Plague keeps the momentum of the darkness strolling back and forth.

The Plague continues down the path of keeping popularity to be the strong suit, and that is where the camp begins to find itself in disarray. It is also where elements of the severeness of disconnect and social anxiety become overwhelming. The Plague is not an easy watch; it is one that may require a strong stomach in some moments—especially with the actions taken to  ostracize victimized campers. Polinger creates a new age of bullying…one where consequences are heavier for all parties.

The Plague is surreal with its tone. I adore how much the popularity vibe carries the weight in the camp setting. I also appreciate how it displays the impact of the pressure on those trying to be bigger people. Its portrayal of those who tend to be introverts is accurate, as some settings do not feel so promising for young minds. With the setting of a camp and many bodies jumping in a swimming pool, a multitude of scenarios can be played out.

 The Plague is a thriller that captured my eyes with a look at society in a new light. I was not dazzled, but I kept finding myself enthralled and curious as to how much damage can come around just from feelings of rejection. For the main character Ben, there is a lot more karma than the audience can anticipate in The Plague. Three out of four stars for this one.