The Next Best Picture Podcast Interviews With "The Plague" Stars Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin & Filmmaker Charlie Polinger
Dec 24, 2025
Charlie Polinger, a talented writer-director making his debut with 'The Plague,' shares insights about the film's premiere at Cannes and its dark psychological themes. Young actors Everett Blunck and Kayo Martin discuss their intense on-set experiences, the importance of collaboration, and the challenge of portraying complex characters. They reminisce about the supportive atmosphere during filming, swim training, and their surreal moments at Cannes. The trio also hints at future projects, underscoring their dedication to storytelling in the cinematic world.
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Water Polo As Cinematic Metaphor
- Charlie Polinger chose water polo for its cinematic and metaphorical potential: constant exposure, water as a world, and unseen violence beneath the surface.
- The sport's rules where under-the-surface actions go unchecked became a core metaphor for hidden cruelty and group dynamics.
Title Works On Multiple Levels
- The title The Plague references a real middle school game and operates on multiple levels as both literal tradition and broad social infection.
- Polinger invites varied readings, from puberty to mythmaking and how group myths calcify into harmful norms.
Subjective, High-Stakes Point Of View
- Polinger avoided sentimental coming-of-age tropes to craft a subjective, high-stakes view of being 12.
- He focused on creating an immersive, anxiety-driven experience rather than editorializing as an adult.