At first, I didn't think I would make it. It was just too "nothing". But after 20 minutes, things began to happen. The unique cinematography, the creative score, and the rise of the tribal behavior led by Jake (Kayo Martin) grabbed hold in an engrossing way.Ben, a rather shy 13-year-old, was dumped at water polo camp for a few weeks. There, he met Jake, the 12-year-old leader of the pack who slowly allowed Ben to sit with them at lunch. Only Eli was the outcast because he had a rash that Jake termed "the Plague.' Ben made the mistake of being sympathetic to Eli, which was the "kiss of death."
This film will dredge up some teen trauma in your life. Modern screenwriting has its way. As for casting, Kayo Martin played a most evil, psychopathic 12-year-old that I've ever seen. He is a Tony Soprano type that can smile at you just before he pulls the trigger.
Very interesting and entertaining in a sick kind of way. If you want to dredge up some early teen angst and trauma this is the vehicle to take you there.
Edits: 01/02/26
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Topic - 'The Plague': 'Kids' meet 'Lord of the Flies' - Billy Wonka 15:44:30 01/02/26 (4)
- Adolescence has a very convincing 13 year old if you have an interest in his scary good acting. - PhilJ 13:27:02 01/04/26 (2)
- It's on my ten-thousand line list. * - Billy Wonka 00:33:21 01/05/26 (1)
- Alphabetize it, it's worthwhile. Besides the kid, Stephen Graham is stellar...N/T - musetap 18:03:14 01/05/26 (0)
- RE: 'The Plague': 'Kids' meet 'Lord of the Flies' - fantja 22:46:51 01/02/26 (0)