TL;DR
- Jane Schoenbrun’s new film is a sapphic slasher.
- Stars Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder.
- Explores themes of teenage desire and horror.
- Premiered at Cannes with a standing ovation.
- Set for nationwide release on August 7.
Hold onto your popcorn, horror fans! The buzz is real, and it’s all about Camp Miasma, the latest offering from the visionary director Jane Schoenbrun. This isn’t just any slasher flick; it’s a sapphic slasher that dives headfirst into the chaotic waters of teenage desire, lust, and, of course, a healthy dose of horror. With Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder leading the charge, this film is set to make waves at the Cannes Film Festival and beyond.
In the past few years, Schoenbrun has emerged as a standout voice in the horror genre, crafting narratives that blend the eerie with the deeply personal. Their previous works, like We’re All Going to the World’s Fair and I Saw the TV Glow, have captivated audiences with their unique take on adolescence and the supernatural. But with Camp Miasma, Schoenbrun is stepping into a more adult realm, exploring the tangled web of sexuality and identity.

So, what’s the scoop on this film? At its core, Camp Miasma follows Kris, played by Einbinder, an ambitious young filmmaker tasked with reviving a stale, transphobic slasher franchise. Enter Billy, portrayed by Anderson, the original final girl whose reclusive life on the campground becomes a twisted playground for Kris’s psychosexual awakening. As the two women spiral into a world of desire and madness, the film promises a bloody good time with a side of introspection.
What sets Camp Miasma apart from the usual slasher fare is its rich tapestry of themes. Schoenbrun has openly discussed how their own post-transition experiences with sex and identity have influenced the film’s narrative. “This film came from working through a ton of sexual trauma in the early stages of post-transition,” they revealed, shedding light on the internal struggles that fuel the horror.
The film doesn’t shy away from its slasher roots either. Drawing inspiration from classics like Halloween and Friday the 13th, Schoenbrun reclaims and subverts traditional tropes, challenging the misogyny and transphobia that often plague the genre. “I’m trying to remake a lot of that imagery in a new way,” Schoenbrun explained, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the genre while critiquing its problematic elements.
As the film gears up for its nationwide release on August 7, it’s already making waves with a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes. The excitement is palpable, especially with the film’s cheeky social media campaign led by its stars, who have been serving up sapphic panic and red carpet moments that fans can’t get enough of.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/MA5NqUMEdbI?rel=0
Camp Miasma is not just a film; it’s a cultural moment that promises to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. With its blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt exploration of identity, this sapphic slasher is one you won’t want to miss. So mark your calendars, grab your friends, and prepare for a summer of blood and desire!