Jane Schoenbrun's queer slasher movie 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' has delivered a jolt to the Cannes Film Festival. The bold, bloody film, starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, premiered to an ecstatic response, leaving Schoenbrun and their co-stars buzzing.
A Gonzo Premiere
Schoenbrun described the premiere as 'a good electric chair,' with their body in a state of convulsion. The film, one of the most prominent American entries at Cannes this year, is a biting satire of reboot-crazed Hollywood wrapped in a schlocky slasher homage. It explores desire and sex, offering both fun and tenderness amid blood-spurting violence.
Personal Evolution
For Schoenbrun, the leading trans filmmaker of their generation, this film marks a departure from their earlier raw works like 'I Saw the TV Glow' and 'We're All Going to the World's Fair.' Drawn from their post-transition life, it represents 'the fullness of who I am.' Ten years ago, Schoenbrun was working a hated industry job; now, they celebrate a hard-won triumph.
Plot and Cast
Einbinder plays Kris, an indie filmmaker hired to reboot the 'Camp Miasma' slasher series. At the iconic camp, she meets Billy Presley (Anderson), the Final Girl from the original film. Their relationship unlocks inspiration for Kris's movie and her own sexual anxieties. Anderson noted the film's importance in rectifying cultural norms.
Industry Challenges
Despite the success of 'I Saw the TV Glow,' Schoenbrun's third film faced rejection from multiple studios before Mubi picked it up for an August 7 release. Schoenbrun questioned whether their 'otherness' played a role, calling Hollywood 'a f---ing shame.' They criticized assumptions about commercial viability, noting the dominance of white male executives in a 'bled-dry moment.'
Determination and Art
Einbinder praised Schoenbrun's deeply personal filmmaking. Schoenbrun remained resolute, drawing inspiration from the low budget of the original 'Friday the 13th.' They have also written a 600-page fantasy novel, embodying their ideology: 'We can remake ourselves and the world around us.' A tattoo reading 'Make it real' underscores this commitment.
