****

In his first feature film, Charlie Polinger captures the unsettling world of adolescent angst with "The Plague." Premiered in the Un Certain Regard sidebar at Cannes, this psychological thriller delves deep into the psyche of young boys at a summer water polo camp in 2003. With an arresting opening scene set at the bottom of a swimming pool, Polinger immerses the audience in a haunting, dream-like atmosphere.

The narrative revolves around Ben, a newcomer at the Tom Lerner Water Polo camp, played by Everett Blunck. Ben is a middle-schooler striving to navigate the complex social hierarchies of the camp. Opposite Blunck, newcomer Kayo Martin portrays Jake, the charismatic and domineering camp leader. Martin's performance as Jake is both terrifying and riveting, capturing the subtle menace he exercises over the other boys through his keen observations and mocking demeanor.

Polinger’s screenplay, brought to life through Steven Breckon's cinematography, creates a phantasmic visual landscape. The film uses horror conventions to reflect the fear and intimidation ingrained in pre-teen social interactions. This approach hits a nerve in today's climate, where questions surrounding masculinity and societal norms for young men are more pertinent than ever.

The film's tension is amplified by Damian Volpe's anxiety-inducing sound design and Johan Lenox's chilling score. The visuals, steeped in hues of gray and blue, add to the palpable sense of dread. Polinger cleverly keeps the audience on edge by leaving the existence of the camp's rumored "plague" ambiguous, exploring how fear, whether real or imagined, can influence behavior.

Ben's journey at the camp is fraught with internal conflict as he struggles to reconcile his desire for acceptance with his inherent moral compass. The other boys' ostracization of Eli, another camper played by Kenny Rasmussen, exemplifies the harsh social dynamics at play. Rasmussen portrays Eli with a quiet intensity, further highlighting the emotional stakes.

As "The Plague" progresses, Polinger employs techniques like jump scares, close-ups, and body horror to intensify the coming-of-age narrative. The film occasionally broadens its focus to comment on the primal social behaviors, reminiscent of works like William Golding's "Lord of the Flies" and Claire Denis' "Beau Travail." One particularly striking scene shows the boys during lunch, their cheerful exteriors barely concealing an underlying panic.

In summation, Charlie Polinger's "The Plague" is a taut, psychological exploration of youth, fear, and the crushing weight of social conformity. Through its compelling performances and masterful direction, the film delivers a thought-provoking cinematic experience.