They say “when you know, you know.” From the opening shot of “The Plague,” it’s clear… this is why you go to the movies.

The film follows a socially awkward tween who endures the ruthless hierarchy at a water polo camp over the summer.

It’s not often that a movie leaves me at a complete loss for words. But “The Plague” is no ordinary film.

An Immersive Descent

“The Plague” puts the audience in anxiety mode from the opening frame. As the pool water splashes around, the camera goes above and below the surface. This generates an immersive environment that remains until the credits begin to roll.

The cinematography by Steven Breckon is the definition of superb. Intimately capturing a sport like water polo can be hard to do. But “The Plague” does so effortlessly, emphasizing the constant effort of treading water and the brutality of contact between players. Showing this both underwater and above the surface creates a complete picture of the sport – and the metaphor itself.

Don’t get it twisted, “The Plague” isn’t only about water polo. Through the camerawork, it ties the sport and the “plague” itself directly to adolescence.

Utilizing constant close-ups, Breckon and director Charlie Polinger are able to get under your skin. Combined with a chilling score from Johan Lenox, it feels like a 95-minute anxiety attack.

Many people will likely miss out on seeing “The Plague.” This is a shame, because it’s probably relatable for many. The film perfectly captures the anxiety-riddled years of adolescence – full of the bullying and social conformity you remember all too well.

Performances that Cut Deep

On top of the technical feats, what makes “The Plague” feel so real are the performances.

Joel Edgerton (Daddy Wags) has a number of standout moments, though he’s certainly not the star of the show.

A talented cast of younger actors allows “The Plague” to reach new heights. Everett Blunck (Ben) leads the way, capturing the nerves of trying to fit in somewhere new. Blunck is asked to do a lot of heavy lifting to make this character feel real, and he delivers through both dialogue and mannerisms.

Kayo Martin (Jake) is equally impressive. In more of a bully role, Martin is funny and completely hateable – all at once. He plays the character to perfection.

Also worth mentioning are Kenny Rasmussen (Eli), Elliott Heffernan (Tic Tac), Lucas Adler (Logan), Caden Burris (Matt), Lennox Espy (Julian) and Kolton Lee (Corbin).

Social Horror Done Right

“The Plague” is a slow burn. The story unravels quietly, while also feeling unmistakably loud at the same time. This contrast perfectly mirrors a central character experiencing an identity crisis.

Many movies offer surface-level depictions of bullying. Not “The Plague.” It goes further, showing how this “plague” spreads quickly. Especially in group settings.

What’s even more impressive is that the film can’t be boxed into a single genre. It’s a drama. It’s a thriller. It even seeps into horror. This “social horror” approach is a creative and effective way to explore the subject.

“The Plague” takes a water polo summer camp and turns it into everyone’s worst nightmare. It offers a fresh, painfully realistic perspective on bullying and adolescence as a whole. This isn’t a typical horror movie, but the horrors within feel disturbingly real.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5