In The Plague, a socially awkward tween endures the ruthless hierarchy of the boys at a water polo camp. Source: Australian Catholics.
Seeing this title, audiences may expect a film about an epidemic and the authorities’ response to these challenges. An expectation from the COVID-19 experience, perhaps. But, it is not that kind of plague.
Rather, it is a story about youngsters, aged 12 and 13, taking part in a summer camp with swimming, water polo and opportunities for fun building character.
Though set in 2003, here is a warning: youngsters around the world (at least in affluent countries) can be infected by an immoral, emotional, destructive plague from expectations of masculinity.
If asked whether an audience would like the film, the reply is probably yes and a no.
Yes, to the raising of difficult social questions. No to the experience of watching this cross-section of ordinary boys take part in bonding, bullying, unsubtle domination and cruelty while displaying precocious sex attitudes and a presumption that this is how they should behave.
The moral anchor in the film is the supervisor at the camp (Edgerton). He hopes to train the boys but instead he has to have serious talks with some of them, urging them to have a sense of shame for their behaviour.
One boy emerges from the others. Ben (Blunck) has an ordinary background and is more introverted than the others. He becomes sensitive to another boy, Eli (Rasmussen) who has a severe rash. Eli isolated and ridiculed and is an easy outlet for an attack by the leaders and followers. They declare he has the plague, urging each other not to go near or touch Eli and, if they are “contaminated”, they must wash.
Another boy, Jake (Martin) has a charming smile but he emerges as smug, cruel and manipulative.
The experience becomes almost too much for Ben … and the audience may be left wondering: what now? Will Ben retreat from the issues or find the strength to be his better self?
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media
The Plague: Starring Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, Kenny Rasmussen. Directed by Charlie Polinger. 98 minutes. Rated MA (Strong themes, bullying themes and self-harm).
FULL REVIEW
The Plague (Australian Catholics)
