The Next Best Picture Podcast "The Plague"
Jan 3, 2026
In this conversation, guests Sara Clements, a film critic known for her keen analysis of indie films, Josh Parham, a film journalist with insightful takes on awards season, and Cody Derricks, a horror podcast host, delve into the psychological horror of 'The Plague.' They explore themes of childhood trauma, body horror, and social dynamics at a water polo camp. Sara discusses puberty's portrayal as horror, while Cody connects personal experiences to the film's unsettling metaphor. Their critiques of filmmaking and standout performances add depth to the discussion.
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Camp As Puberty Allegory
- The Plague uses water polo camp as an allegory for puberty and social exclusion.
- The film frames adolescent belonging struggles as psychological horror to deepen emotional impact.
Water Polo Heightens Dread
- Sara Clements and others note water polo's constant threat-of-drowning imagery amplifies teenage anxiety.
- The sport's perpetual treading visually matches the film's sense of social suffocation.
Hosts Shared Personal Triggers
- Multiple speakers recount how the film forced them to relive traumatic adolescent memories from the early 2000s.
- Josh, Cody, Sara, and Matt each connected personally to the film's portrayal of exclusion and puberty.