Coming-of-age psychological thriller The Plague is now available to watch at home on Digital via Independent Film Company.
Set at an all-boys water polo camp, the film sees a socially anxious 12-year-old is pulled into a cruel tradition that targets an outcast with an illness they call “The Plague.” But as the lines between game and reality blur, he fears the joke might be hiding something real.
Joel Edgerton stars alongside newcomers Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, and Kenny Rasmussen.
The project marks the feature debut of writer-director Charlie Polinger, who will next helm A24’s The Masque of the Red Death.
“I was really into psychological horror,” Polinger told Bloody Disgusting of the film’s inspirations. “We were watching everything from Repulsion and Carrie and The Shining and Black Swan. Raw was a big one. Eighth Grade, which is not really horror, but it’s so stressful that I think it’s a great influence.”
Edgerton produces alongside Steven Schneider (Insidious, Paranormal Activity), Roy Lee (Weapons, IT), Lizzie Shapiro (Shiva Baby), Lucy McKendrick, and Derek Dauchy (Late Night with the Devil).
Shot on 35mm film, The Plague premiered at Cannes last year to an 11-minute standing ovation.