Horror fans and critics alike are impressed with a “nostalgic” new slasher film that’s already bagged an impressive 98% score on popular review aggregation website, Rotten Tomatoes. Hollywood appears to be embracing the horror genre as of late, with more and more films continuing to be released that capture the zeitgeist.
A Wave of Acclaimed Horror
From this year’s low-budget, smash-hit, be-careful-what-you-wish-for, indie supernatural thrill Obsession, and the equally lauded sci-fi psychological horror Backrooms, to the 2025 supernatural mystery horror Weapons, which saw star Amy Madigan bag an Academy Award for her eerie turn as Aunt Gladys; there’s no shortage of stellar horror making its mark on movie lovers.
Slasher films have long been popular, be it the pioneering classic Psycho, the atmospheric and iconic 1978 favourite Halloween, or the meta whodunnit Scream, which helped revitalise the then-tired genre upon its release in 1996; but not all slashers are created equal. In fact, many fall short and end up panned by fans and critics so when a new slasher comes along that seems worthy of its praised predecessors, it causes quite the buzz.
Plot and Cast
This appears to be the case with Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, which is making waves after preview screenings. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, the queer slasher film stars Gillian Anderson, Hannah Einbinder, Amanda Fix and more.
It centres on young director Kris Williams, played by Einbinder, who takes the helm of the Camp Miasma slasher franchise, which after initial success has suffered from an onslaught of disappointing sequels. Williams is to direct its next instalment and hopefully help reboot the franchise - but she becomes obsessed with the actress Billy Presley (Anderson), who played the original ‘final girl’ in the first film before suddenly retiring from acting.
The film explores themes of desire and awakening, as well as Williams’ fascination with Presley and their sexual chemistry with one another, all against the backdrop of a blood-soaked slasher.
Critical and Fan Praise
The film has been lauded by fans and critics. Via Rotten Tomatoes, Critic Randy Myers said: “It’s innovative storytelling from a creative force who has the vision and the talent to pull off the unimaginable.”
Matt Goldberg said: “Jane Schoenbrun blasts open a meta-analysis of slashers to embrace the emotional vulnerability of desire.” While Patrick McDonald commented: “Jane Schoenburn scores with a sharp stick poke to the patriarchy… as represented by slasher films ... and Hannah Einbinder has perfected her woke persona. Multi-layered, multi symbolic, and just very funny. A Dream on Elm Street.”
Fans were equally full of praise. One person said: “Epic watch - trippy, all consuming, nostalgic, and filled with star performances. 10/10.” Another agreed: “An incredible slasher worth your buck in blood and lust!! Watching this on the big screen even just for the painted backgrounds is so worth it. And definitely Jane’s best film yet!”
And a third said: “Watched it twice in a row, had to make sense of the iconic duo unfolding before my eyes. Half mesmerising backdrops, half giant bloody mess, perfect sensory balance. Einbinder for President, Anderson for Queen of the land.” A fourth shared: “So wildly original, and made with lots of love, but still drawing from all the classic horrors and slashers. It's great to see a horror film that is fun and playful and a bit silly, but still has lots to say and has a very distinct point of view.” Someone else simply added: “wow wow wow a lot to unpack”.
Release Details
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma will officially hit all UK cinemas on Friday, August 21, though early preview screenings and select 35mm first-watches began from today, August 13. Many Vue, Everyman and Picturehouse cinemas are already showing the films.
