The Plague

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.