THE PLAGUE (2025) | Charlie Polinger on Childhood, Cruelty, and a Cannes Breakout When a film earns a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, there’s often a quiet suspicion that it’s a critic’s darling—admired more than embraced. But Charlie Polinger’s debut feature THE PLAGUE is something rarer: a film that marries the visceral pull of a taut thriller with the intelligence and moral urgency of serious arthouse cinema. In this episode of INSIDE THE ARTHOUSE, we sit down with writer-director Charlie Polinger to discuss a film that has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases of 2025. Drawing from memories of his own pre-adolescence, Pollinger crafts a story that feels deeply personal while speaking uncomfortably—and urgently—to the present moment. THE PLAGUE explores how casual cruelty, once confined to private spaces, has become increasingly normalized and even rewarded in public life. The film premiered at Cannes, where it reportedly received an 11-minute standing ovation—an extraordinary response for a first feature led by a cast of unknown child actors. That reception wasn’t just about novelty. It was recognition of a filmmaker with a confident voice and a film that understands how to unsettle, provoke, and implicate its audience without sacrificing narrative momentum. THE PLAGUE is tense, unsettling, and deeply felt—a debut that suggests Pollinger is not only a director to watch, but one already operating with uncommon clarity and purpose. 🎙️ To learn more about one of The most striking films of the year, join us for our conversation with Charlie Pollinger—on INSIDE THE ARTHOUSE, starting now. @laemmle @officialRaphaelSbarge @CPolinger  @IFCFilmsUnlimited  IFCFilmsOfficial #InsideTheArthouse #FilmPodcast #ArthouseCinema #IndependentFilm #IndieFilm#FilmmakerInterview #FilmDiscussion #FilmAnalysis #MovieReview#FilmIndustry #FilmBusiness #FilmDistribution#LaemmleTheatres #GregLaemmle #RaphaelSbarge#NewFilmReleases #arthousefilm Video podcast exploring independent film, arthouse cinema, and the film industry. In-depth filmmaker interviews, behind-the-scenes conversations, and film analysis covering new releases, repertory cinema, and classic films. Hosted by Raphael Sbarge in partnership with Laemmle Theatres, Inside the Arthouse focuses on film distribution, the movie business, and the creative process behind independent filmmaking Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices