The Moderate

The Moderate

"Both sides are overreacting"

Movie Review: ‘The Plague’ dives into a sink-or-swim water polo camp - AP News

Associated Press December 29, 2025
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Quick Take (Summary)

Ah, "The Plague" - yet another cinematic exploration of the tumultuous journey through adolescence, replete with the socio-psychological intricacies of bullying and exclusion. It's commendable that Charlie Polinger navigates these deep, chlorinated waters with aplomb, using a backdrop as unique as a water polo camp to underscore yet another iteration of the time-honored tale of growing pains. Speculating wildly, perhaps what we actually need isn't just more films that delve into the teenage psyche but a broader societal discourse on constructive adolescent development, backed by a symphony of psychological research and thoughtful policy-making to buoy our youth through these tempestuous years.

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The Revolutionary

The Revolutionary

"Everything is class struggle"

"The Plague" is yet another testament to the brutalities of capitalist societies, where even children are not spared the Darwinian horror of survival of the fittest. It reveals a world where camaraderie and collective spirit are drowned out by the ruthless individualism that capitalism fosters from the cradle. The real plague is the systemic rot that teaches kids to climb over each other's broken spirits rather than reach out a hand in solidarity.

The Patriot

The Patriot

"Make America great again"

"The Plague" sounds like another liberal attempt to romanticize victimhood instead of promoting resilience and personal responsibility. Wrapping adolescent struggles in a dark, foreboding narrative might win artistic points but does little to prepare the youth for the real challenges of life._messages of strength, patriotism, and personal growth are what our children need, not tales that glorify weakness and ostracism.

The Skeptic

The Skeptic

"Wake up, sheeple"

Ah, "The Plague," a film cloaked in the imagery of adolescence but simmering with darker truths, a perfect mirror for society's own hidden contagions. Wrapped in the guise of a coming-of-age story, it's a veiled commentary on manipulation, ostracism, and the insidious nature of societal plagues far beyond the physical. It's no accident that this narrative unfolds in shadowy corridors and chlorine-soaked pools; the architects of our culture seed these tales not just for entertainment, but as eerie parables for the keen observer, hinting at the psychological pathogens festering beneath the surface of modern life.

The Disruptor

The Disruptor

"Innovation solves everything"

"The Plague" dives deep into the turbulent waters of adolescence, and its innovative setting at a water polo camp is a game-changer, embodying the paradigm shift we crave in storytelling. Polinger's debut mirrors the venture capital mindset—identify a niche, disrupt the status quo, and deliver a 10x impact on our understanding of youthful dynamics. It's not just a film; it's an immersive experience that showcases the power of fresh narratives to challenge and redefine our perceptions.

The Burnt Out

The Burnt Out

"We're all doomed anyway"

Oh, "The Plague" - because what we really needed was a movie to bring back the trauma of middle school with added cinematic flair. Watching kids turn Lord of the Flies at water polo camp while we're all trying to forget our own adolescent horrors? Pass me the popcorn... or maybe just a therapist.