Gillian Anderson has revealed that a traumatic experience as a teenager made her avoid horror films for years. In a recent interview with Radio Times, the 58-year-old star explained that she had a bad trip while watching The Texas Chainsaw Massacre at a sleepover.
Bad experience at a sleepover
Anderson, known for her roles in The Crown and Sex Education, said: “I had a bad experience as a young teen, I think I was at a sleepover. It was my first time smoking marijuana and somebody had The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on. Really bad trip.” After the ordeal, she stopped watching horror movies and avoided them.
New horror film role
Anderson’s comments come as she promotes her new surreal slasher horror film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, opposite Hannah Einbender. The movie, directed by Jane Schoenbrun, also stars Jack Haven, Patrick Fischler, Zach Cherry, Dylan Baker, Eva Victor, and Victor Conti.
The plot follows Einbender’s filmmaker Kris Williams, who is drafted to direct the latest instalment of the fictional teen slasher franchise. While working on the project, Kris develops an infatuation with the movie’s lead actress Billy Presley, played by Anderson, who has become a recluse and was the final girl in the original film. As the shoot progresses, the two women are thrown into psychological and sexual chaos.
Exploring female sexuality
The film explores female sexuality and desire, a conversation Anderson has become part of through her portrayal of Jean Milburn in Netflix’s Sex Education. She has released books on the topic and has another titled More coming out soon. Anderson said she was surprised to be part of the dialogue, but she is “very open and willing” to be a “vocal component” of the conversation.
Critical acclaim and release
The horror picture currently holds a 96 percent fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans have praised the film on IMDb, with one 10/10 review saying: “I cannot describe, nor even try to describe, the feeling that this movie gives. Jane Schoenbrun has once again captured a feeling that many people didn't know existed.” Another wrote: “[At] a highly cerebral cinematic level this flick is teeming with multiple meanings. Must be seen to be believed; and perhaps not even then.” A third called it “a sensual, bloody, surreal, romantic, lush, intelligent, campy, playfully self-referential, and darkly comedic ride!!!”
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma will be released in UK cinemas on August 21.
