Jane Schoenbrun Shares Insights on Teenage Sex, Body Image, and Her Starstruck Moment with Gillian Anderson in Camp Miasma
Filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun Returns to Cannes with New Horror Film
Jane Schoenbrun, renowned for her breakout feature We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, made waves in the indie film circuit at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Her latest project, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, promises to elevate her genre-bending storytelling. This new film, combining elements of horror and nostalgia, showcases a darker side of youth culture intertwined with cinematic references.
Starring Gillian Anderson, known for her iconic role in The X-Files, alongside Hacks actress Hannah Einbinder, Camp Miasma explores the legacy of horror video rentals and the reckless thrill of viewing violent films at too young an age. The film’s narrative revolves around a gay filmmaker, played by Einbinder, who seeks to revive a "zombie IP" franchise about a killer at a summer camp. What begins as a simple request for a cameo from the film’s original star, Anderson, leads them into increasingly surreal and dangerous territory.
In contrast to the vibrant visuals of her previous works, Schoenbrun adopts a more classical cinematic style in this film. "On this one, I felt that I really needed to do something in a more classical and playful, kind of almost like a ‘golden era of cinema’ style," she explained. Reflecting on her emotional journey, Schoenbrun noted the importance of depicting visceral imagery, stating, “It is very important in the very first scene of the movie that there’d be a huge f*cking geyser of blood.”
Although the film may not appeal universally, aficionados of slasher culture will appreciate its nods to classic horror conventions and humor. “It’s so fun to make a comedy,” Schoenbrun remarked, expressing her desire for the film’s tone to foster a lighter atmosphere at screenings, contrasting with the emotional gravity of her earlier works. “With this, I want people to feel like we’re hanging out… It’s like a conversation with a friend.”
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma delves into the complexities of horror films, particularly thematically exploring the attraction and repulsion inherent in slasher tropes. Schoenbrun remarked, “It’s really felt so much more interesting for the horror to be more internal," reflecting her intention to shift focus towards personal narratives rather than conventional external threats.
Officially opening the Un Certain Regard section of this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Schoenbrun views this opportunity as a significant progression from her Sundance debut. "I worked in indie film and saw many filmmakers’ voices get watered down," they said, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining artistic integrity despite commercial pressures.
The film’s title, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, emerged early in Schoenbrun’s creative process. “I remember, I was sitting on my couch and those words popped into my head. It was there from the very beginning,” she recalled, discussing how the title inspired the direction of the film.
As she reflects on her work habits, Schoenbrun describes her creative process as an exploratory journey rather than mere labor. She enjoys engaging deeply with themes that inform her films, building emotional narratives before finalizing structural details.
Schoenbrun’s dedication to authenticity extends to a keen examination of slasher films’ cultural implications, particularly in a contemporary context. "Clearly there’s something in these movies that is libidinal, that we keep returning to," she asserted. The film aims to engage with this paradox, examining how audiences experience both fear and fascination.
Both Anderson and Einbinder’s casting stemmed from their compelling on-screen presence and alignment with the film’s thematic depth. “Hannah reached out… and I think she very immediately knew it had to be her,” Schoenbrun said of Einbinder’s involvement. Anderson’s role, rooted in nostalgia for many fans, adds an additional layer of complexity.
Looking ahead, Schoenbrun is excited about upcoming projects, including a novel titled Public Access Afterworld and an adaptation of Charles Burns’ graphic novel Black Hole for Netflix. Reflecting on her identity as a filmmaker, they strive to create narratives that resonate broadly, even amid Hollywood’s commercial landscape.
In her concluding remarks, Schoenbrun described balancing her personal life with professional ambitions. “I live in upstate New York… It’s very important to me to keep that as just one part of who I am,” she said, asserting her commitment to authenticity both onscreen and off.
As Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma draws upon horror’s rich history while offering fresh insights, Schoenbrun continues to carve out a unique space in contemporary cinema.
