• Drama
• Thriller

The Plague 2025

Released on December 24, 2025, in a limited capacity before expanding wide on January 2, 2026, The Plague is a psychological thriller directed by Charlie Polinger in his feature debut. Set against the backdrop of a competitive all-boys water polo camp in the summer of 2003, the film has garnered significant critical acclaim, including an 11-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. The story follows Ben, a socially anxious and awkward 12-year-old who is desperate to fit in with the "cool" boys at a prestigious water polo summer camp. The camp’s hierarchy is dominated by Jake, a charismatic but cruel alpha who enforces a ruthless social order. To secure his place in the group, Ben is pressured into participating in a hazing ritual targeting Eli, a sensitive outcast who suffers from a mysterious skin condition. The campers dub Eli’s ailment "The Plague," treating him as a biohazard and subjecting him to increasingly visceral psychological and physical abuse. As the summer progresses, Ben's empathy for Eli clashes with his fear of social suicide, and the line between a childhood "game" and genuine horror begins to blur. The film culminates in a harrowing exploration of toxic masculinity and the lasting trauma of adolescent betrayal. As of early January 2026, The Plague is in its initial wide theatrical release phase via IFC Films. It earned approximately $433,938 during its limited opening window across select theaters in New York and Los Angeles, showing strong per-screen averages. Due to its recent theatrical expansion, it is not yet available on major subscription streaming services worldwide. However, following the typical IFC release window, it is expected to arrive on AMC+ and digital platforms (VOD) for rental and purchase in late February or March 2026. Read More

• 2025
• 1 h : 35 min
• 64 views
• 6.957
• R