The Plague (2025) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A socially awkward tween endures the ruthless hierarchy at a water polo camp, his anxiety spiraling into psychological turmoil over the summer.
Rated R • 2025 • 1h 38m
The Plague is a grim teen drama set at a summer water-polo camp that earned its R for frequent strong language, sexual material involving minors (implied masturbation and a humiliating wet-dream sequence), and disturbing bloody imagery tied to self-harm. The film follows Ben as he tries to fit in with bully Jake and his crew at the camp, and documents escalating hazing, a rumor that Ben has a contagious “plague,” and a spiral into… Sign up for the full guide
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Is The Plague appropriate for kids?
The Plague is a grim teen drama set at a summer water-polo camp that earned its R for frequent strong language, sexual material involving minors (implied masturbation and a humiliating wet-dream sequence), and disturbing bloody imagery tied to self-harm. The film follows Ben as… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Plague
What happens in The Plague, moment by moment
- 0:07 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:20 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10
Sex and nudity in The Plague
Strong and explicit-for-a-teen film. The movie includes off-screen sounds implying underage masturbation, graphic discussions among boys about underage sexual activity, and a humiliating wet-dream incident that becomes a lever for bullying; no full nudity is shown but the sexual content is focused on minors and used to shame characters. These moments are distressing and played for humiliation rather than titillation.
Violence and gore in The Plague
Moderate-to-strong physical violence and cruel hazing throughout. Notable moments include a bed stuffed with live cockroaches as a prank, a heated pool match where Ben scratches Jake and draws blood, and a later violent punch/attempted drowning that leads to Ben's expulsion. There is visible blood but no prolonged gore; several scenes are physically threatening and emotionally intense.
Language in The Plague
Moderate but frequent coarse language among campers and staff. Boys exchange insults and taunts regularly; a few confrontations include strong profanity and shouted slurs used to bully Eli and Ben. Language contributes significantly to the film's harsh, claustrophobic tone.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Plague
Mild and brief. There are scenes at the camp dance where some campers drink alcohol and adults are shown drinking in passing; substance use is not central but is present in social settings. No detailed drug use or overdose scenes are depicted.
Mature themes in The Plague
Strong, dark themes: bullying, social exclusion, rumor-driven ostracism, contagious-disease imagery, mental-health decline, and self-harm. The film treats the camp's hierarchy and callousness as corrosive to teenagers' psyches, culminating in Eli's self-amputation and Ben's breakdown — both portrayed with explicit, upsetting visuals. Parents should be prepared for sustained psychological cruelty and depictions of self-harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Plague appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Plague is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. The Plague is a grim teen drama set at a summer water-polo camp that earned its R for frequent strong language, sexual material involving minors (implied masturbation and a humiliating wet-dream sequence), and…
What age rating does The Plague have?
The Plague is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Plague about?
The Plague is a grim teen drama set at a summer water-polo camp that earned its R for frequent strong language, sexual material involving minors (implied masturbation and a humiliating wet-dream sequence), and disturbing bloody imagery tied to self-harm. The film follows Ben as he tries to fit in with bully Jake and…
Is there sex or nudity in The Plague?
Strong and explicit-for-a-teen film. The movie includes off-screen sounds implying underage masturbation, graphic discussions among boys about underage sexual activity, and a humiliating wet-dream incident that becomes a lever for bullying; no full nudity is…
How violent is The Plague?
Moderate-to-strong physical violence and cruel hazing throughout. Notable moments include a bed stuffed with live cockroaches as a prank, a heated pool match where Ben scratches Jake and draws blood, and a later violent punch/attempted drowning that leads to…
Is the language in The Plague appropriate for kids?
Moderate but frequent coarse language among campers and staff. Boys exchange insults and taunts regularly; a few confrontations include strong profanity and shouted slurs used to bully Eli and Ben. Language contributes significantly to the film's harsh…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Plague?
Mild and brief. There are scenes at the camp dance where some campers drink alcohol and adults are shown drinking in passing; substance use is not central but is present in social settings. No detailed drug use or overdose scenes are depicted.
What mature themes appear in The Plague?
Strong, dark themes: bullying, social exclusion, rumor-driven ostracism, contagious-disease imagery, mental-health decline, and self-harm. The film treats the camp's hierarchy and callousness as corrosive to teenagers' psyches, culminating in Eli's…
How long is The Plague?
The Plague runs 98 minutes, directed by Charlie Polinger, released in 2025.
Where can I read the full The Plague parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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