The Plague (2025) is an upcoming drama-thriller film directed and written by Charlie Polinger. The movie stars Everett Blunck, Kenny Rasmussen, and Lennox Espy in leading roles. It was officially selected for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and has already received multiple award nominations.
Set during the summer of 2003, the story follows a socially awkward 12-year-old boy who struggles to fit in at an all-boys water polo camp. As he faces a cruel social hierarchy, his anxiety spirals when a disturbing tradition called “The Plague” blurs the line between a game and a dark reality. The film uses powerful performances, haunting visuals, and emotional depth to portray the pain of adolescence and peer cruelty.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Plague |
| Genre | Drama, Thriller |
| Director/Writer | Charlie Polinger |
| Starring | Everett Blunck, Kenny Rasmussen, Lennox Espy, Joel Edgerton |
| Runtime | 95 minutes |
| Age Rating | R (Restricted) |
| Release Date | September 2025 (United States) |
| Distributor | Independent Film Company |
The Plague Age Rating
The official MPA (CARA) rating for The Plague is R (Restricted). The movie is rated R for language, sexual material, self-harm/bloody images, and some drug and alcohol use – all involving children.
This means that the film contains mature and disturbing subject matter that may not be suitable for viewers under 17 without parental supervision. The themes of bullying, psychological distress, and underage substance use are portrayed in a raw and emotional manner, making it inappropriate for younger audiences.
An R-rating generally means the movie includes adult content such as strong language, sexual references, violence, or mature psychological elements that require viewer discretion.
Is The Plague Suitable for Kids?
No, The Plague is not suitable for children or pre-teens. The story deals with sensitive and emotionally intense themes like mental health struggles, peer abuse, and self-harm. Even though the characters are young, the film’s tone and content are very mature. Parents should exercise caution, as some scenes may be upsetting or disturbing for younger audiences.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3-7 | Not suitable for young children. |
| Ages 8-12 | Not recommended for this age group. |
| Teens (13-15) | Not recommended; contains disturbing content. |
| Teens (16-17) | Yes, with caution. Mature teens may handle it. |
| Adults | Yes, suitable for mature viewers. |
The Plague Parents Guide
- Sex & Nudity: The film contains mild sexual material and references among teenage characters, though no explicit nudity.
- Violence & Gore: Includes scenes of bullying, emotional cruelty, and self-harm imagery. Some bloody visuals are shown during intense psychological moments.
- Profanity: Frequent use of strong language throughout the movie.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Depicts underage drinking and drug use by campers.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: The tone is deeply psychological, featuring intense emotional breakdowns and disturbing imagery. The anxiety-driven atmosphere can be unsettling for sensitive viewers.
Tips for Parents
Parents are advised to watch the trailer first before deciding if it’s suitable for their teens. This film can be used to discuss important topics like mental health, peer pressure, and bullying. However, younger audiences should avoid it due to its mature and distressing themes.
FAQs
Q1. What is the official age rating of The Plague (2025)?
A1. The movie The Plague is officially rated R by the MPA (CARA) for strong language, sexual material, self-harm/bloody images, and underage drug and alcohol use.
Q2. Is The Plague appropriate for teenagers?
A2. It may be suitable for older teens (16+) with parental discretion, but the disturbing themes make it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Q3. Does The Plague contain violence or disturbing content?
A3. Yes, it includes emotional violence, self-harm elements, and intense psychological scenes that may be distressing for sensitive audiences.
Q4. Where can I watch The Plague (2025)?
A4. The film is distributed by Independent Film Company and is expected to release in theaters in September 2025, with streaming availability to be announced later.
Q5. What makes The Plague different from other psychological dramas?
A5. The movie focuses on the emotional trauma of adolescence in a realistic summer camp setting, blending haunting visuals and a deep psychological narrative that makes it stand out at the Cannes Film Festival 2025.