The Plague | |
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![]() Cast and crew of the film at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 | |
Directed by | Charlie Polinger |
Written by | Charlie Polinger |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Steven Breckon |
Edited by |
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Music by | Johan Lenox |
Production companies |
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Distributed by | Independent Film Company |
Release dates |
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Running time | 95 minutes [1] |
Countries |
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Language | English |
The Plague is a 2025 psychological drama [2] -thriller film [3] [4] written and directed by Charlie Polinger, in his directorial debut. It stars Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, Lucas Adler and Kenny Rasmussen.
The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025 and is scheduled to be given a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 24, 2025, expanding nationwide on January 2, 2026.
A socially anxious 12 year-old boy is pulled into a cruel tradition at an all-boys water camp. [5]
Initially, when Joel Edgerton received the script by Charlie Polinger, he wanted to direct the film, however Polinger wanted to, with Edgerton instead offering to help getting it made. [6]
It had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025, in the Un Certain Regard section. [7] In August 2025, Independent Film Company acquired North American distribution rights to the film, scheduling it for a theatrical release in the United States on December 24, 2025, before expanding nationwide on January 2, 2026. [8]
The film was met with positive reviews and a warm reception at Cannes. [9] It received an eleven minute standing ovation and was highlighted as a favorite by the pop star Charli XCX. [10]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes , 100% of 15 critics' reviews are positive. [11]
Award / Festival | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
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Cannes Film Festival | 24 May 2025 | Un Certain Regard Award | Charlie Polinger | Nominated | [12] |
Camera d'Or | Nominated | ||||