Swimming is often seen as a solo sport. To excel, it takes hours of practice, often alone in the water. Most water polo players begin this way before shifting to a game where teamwork is key. For some, the transition is smooth. For others, the challenge of fitting in while staying true to themselves is real.
Enter Ben, a newcomer to the Tom Lerner Water Polo camp. He arrives a bit late, facing the hurdles of complex family issues. The other kids have already bonded, and boys and girls train separately. From a distance, Ben watches one girl, enduring teasing from his peers. The boys’ group, led by the charming yet lazy Jake, is tight-knit. To blend in, Ben tolerates Jake’s mockery about his lisp and even finds himself bullying another kid.
Eli, on the other hand, seems comfortable being an outsider. He’s a quirky kid, possibly on the autism spectrum, and often doesn’t fit in with the group. His unique behaviors set him apart, making him a target for bullying. The title’s “plague” refers to a rash he’s enduring, which Jake uses as an excuse to ostracize him. Only Ben feels torn inside about this. Is it guilt or a struggle to meet expectations? As the story unfolds, Ben tries to connect with Eli but keeps it hidden from his group. He doesn’t believe the rash is contagious, yet it symbolizes a larger issue.
What could be a typical coming-of-age tale transforms through standout performances from Ben and Jake. The film captures a darker undertone that echoes beyond the boys’ surface cruelty. It reflects the chaotic world they are entering—a place that feels unfamiliar to older audiences. Jake seems to thrive in this distress, but his calm facade hides deep insecurities. Ben senses this complexity, hinting at a possibility for understanding and growth between them, if only they can break free from their defined roles.
This film cleverly incorporates horror elements, creating an unsettling atmosphere that echoes the real fears teens face today. A nighttime attack by a gang serves as a reminder of the volatility of youth; conflicts can quickly spiral out of control. The story resonates with anyone who has felt the sting of fear and isolation—sentiments many experienced during the pandemic. Adding to this unease, recent sociopolitical climates have seen vulnerable groups unfairly linked with infection, enhancing the film’s timely relevance. Ultimately, while it’s centered on teenagers, the film speaks to all ages and digs deep under the skin.
With societal breakdown and teenage struggles at its core, it’s a story about finding connections, battling fears, and understanding the “plagues” we all carry. As we navigate a world rife with challenges, this film becomes a mirror reflecting our own struggles for acceptance and identity.
