Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams) stars in THE PLAGUE, a psychological thriller about social hierarchy and alienation, set within an all-boys water polo summer camp.
In the summer of 2003, Ben (Everett Blunck), a socially awkward 12-year-old finds himself struggling to fit within a ruthless social hierarchy enforced by his peers at an all-boys summer water polo camp. But when he befriends Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), another lonely tween, he becomes entangled in a cruel game that finds him casting out his only friend.
Told that Eli suffers from a contagious plague, Ben must confront his own complicity in the game as he finds himself unable to separate teasing from real harm.
Written and directed by Charlie Polinger, THE PLAGUE premiered at Cannes in 2025 and has received a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Scoop is giving away five, in-season double pass e-tickets to the film, thanks to Rialto Distribution!
Head to our Instagram page or our Facebook page to enter the competition. Simply like our post, give us a follow and comment ‘Scoop’ under the post.
The tickets are valid at any cinemas across Australia screening THE PLAGUE (terms and conditions can be found on the tickets).
THE PLAGUE opens nationally in cinemas from 12 March 2026.
Website: https://rialtodistribution.com/film/the-plague/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/rialtodistributionau/
Watch the trailer here:
Film details:
Title: The Plague
Director: Charlie Polinger
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin
Country of Origin: United States, Romania
Duration: 98 mins
Rating: MA 15+
