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The Plague

 "The Plague" introduces three memorable characters (children)--Eli, Jake, and Ben.


Eli is possibly on the spectrum; his interests are somewhat unusual. He enjoys cutting himself, saving the blood, and using the blood stash to simulate major freakish accidents (sometimes with an audience). He is unpopular at dances, so he chooses to dance with a cardboard cutout of Betty Boop. He seems happiest when he is speaking in the voice of Gollum from "Lord of the Rings." (This is 2003.)

Jake is a bully; he is possibly a psychopath. No one at home is behind the steering wheel; Mom is dead, and Dad "manages" Jake by extending his summer-camp stay long beyond the length of time that is considered normal. Jake spies on other boys, then uses his new information for leverage. When Eli has a "public" erection, Jake encourages name-calling and taunting.

Ben is torn between Jake and Eli; he wants to spend time with Eli, but he is understandably exasperated by some of Eli's self-sabotaging choices. One of Ben's most memorable acts is the careful nursing of Eli; by applying lotion to Eli's back, Ben gives Eli a kind of lifeline. The repercussions of this one minute are the focus of the movie's Second Act.

It's painful to watch "The Plague" because the meanness is so relentless. But a writer isn't obligated to make a story pleasant; his only obligation is to keep your attention. I really couldn't guess how Ben would disentangle himself from Jake's web. The movie's last scene is a triumph--surprising and inevitable. I understood Ben--and I felt actual dread when I thought about his future. That's an achievement; I'm glad I saw the movie.
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