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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Episode notes
Micro Bullying, Macro Lessons
- The hosts argue bullying here mirrors broader social and political dynamics of following power.
- The film invites reading of micro-level groupthink as a model for larger cultural authority structures.
Ending Suggests Troubled Transformation
- Matt and others describe Ben's arc as moving from anxious conformity to a frightening, liberated finale.
- The ending's dance suggests both acceptance and lingering psychological transfer from Eli.
Flawed Adult Authority
- Joel Edgerton's coach is a realistic, flawed adult who lacks perfect answers for adolescent harm.
- That flawed authority emphasizes how adults often fail to resolve peer cruelty effectively.