It seems like unkindness and bullying have always been around, but thankfully, they’re getting more attention than ever before. A surprising voice has now joined this important conversation: Charlie Polinger's impressive first film as writer-director. The movie takes place at a summer water polo camp for preteens and follows a group of young people who learn some tough lessons about the dangers of toxic behavior. At its heart is Ben (played with skill by rising star and Critics Choice Award nominee Everett Blunck), an idealistic but socially awkward kid struggling to find his place, often feeling out of sync with his louder, less considerate peers. He can’t understand why they treat others so poorly, especially Eli (Kenny Rasmussen), who's different and frequently left out because of his unique perspectives. Things are made worse for Eli when he develops a serious skin rash that the bullies (led by Jake, played by Kayo Martin) mockingly call "the plague," leading to him being deliberately excluded. Ben tries to understand this constant teasing and befriends Eli, but then finds himself developing the same rash and experiencing similar ridicule. He desperately seeks to make sense of it all, often talking to his coach (Joel Edgerton), but largely has to figure things out on his own as he faces this ongoing mistreatment. What should have been a fun experience quickly becomes unbearable. The film works so well because Polinger handles the subject matter with care, almost like crafting a clever horror movie – it’s genuinely unsettling without relying on gore or sensationalism to shock viewers (particularly when there's uncertainty about whether the rash is real or just a product of the boys' imaginations). This is further strengthened by the film’s atmospheric music and creative visuals, which add an underlying sense of dread to this coming-of-age story. The script might feel a bit unfocused at times in the beginning, but that could simply reflect Ben’s confusion as he tries to navigate this new and sometimes disturbing setting. Some viewers may see parts of the story as familiar, but the film's message is incredibly important, especially for those who have experienced similar treatment. This Cannes Film Festival and Independent Spirit Award nominee makes it clear that there’s no room for this kind of behavior anywhere – and the movie aims to stop it from continuing.

Source on TMDB