Genre: Drama, Horror
Director: Charlie Polinger
Cast: Joel Edgerton, Everett Blunck, Lucas Adler, Kenny Rasmussen, Kayo Martin, Kolton Lee, Caden Burris, Elliott Heffernan, Lennox Espy
Release: 2025-12-24
Runtime: 95
Plot: A socially awkward tween endures the ruthless hierarchy at a water polo camp, his anxiety spiraling into psychological turmoil over the summer.
Director apparently has a short film also featuring adolescent body horror at water polo camp
Director apparently has a short film also featuring adolescent body horror at water polo camp
Sauna - American Film Institute
Sauna directed by Charles Michael Polinger. Watch the trailer, learn more and read about American Film Institute alumni.watch.afi.com
After another miserable day at water polo camp, 13-year-old Ben takes refuge in the sauna, where he encounters a half-asleep old man. Ben warns the man not to spend too much time in the sauna. Later, the man finds Ben faking an injury on the poolside bench, picking at his newly-sprouted chest hairs, and advises him to “actually try.” Ben volunteers to play goalie, which backfires when a vicious teammate pegs Ben in the eye. That evening, as Ben walks past the sauna, he notices the old man sitting motionless inside. He approaches the man and realizes that he is dead. Horrified, Ben rushes out of the sauna and heads home. The next day, Ben is back on the bench. Deep in the throes of his first existential crisis, and terrified of growing any older, Ben rips the hairs out of his chest.
