Jane Schoenbrun's latest film, 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,' premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and will be released theatrically by Mubi on August 7. The movie features Hannah Einbinder as Kris, a filmmaker tasked with rebooting an '80s slasher franchise, and Gillian Anderson as Billy, the reclusive original final girl. The film is described as a "sapphic slice of cinema" that explores sexual awakening after gender dysphoria, reflecting Schoenbrun's personal journey and critiques the film industry's attempts to commercialize unique artistic voices.
Kris, a queer filmmaker using she/them pronouns, aims to update the transphobic elements of the original "Camp Miasma" mythology, which centered on a gender-fluid killer named Little Death (Jack Haven). The reboot assignment becomes a catalyst for Kris's journey of self-discovery, heavily influenced by Billy, who challenges Kris's academic approach to horror with a more primal understanding of its appeal. The film humorously blends horror tropes with sharp satirical commentary on Hollywood's handling of intellectual property.
Critics have praised the film for its humor, charm, and particularly Gillian Anderson's performance as a "glamorous, eccentric recluse." Einbinder's portrayal of Kris is also noted for its depth and internalization of the role. The movie delves into themes of identity, pleasure, and the relationship between art and personal experience, often blurring the lines between Kris's project and Schoenbrun's own reflections on their career post-'World’s Fair' and 'TV Glow'.
