Teenage Life and Loss in Camp Miasma: A Thoughtful Look at Jane Schoenbrun’s Unique Slasher Film from Cannes
In her latest film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, director Jane Schoenbrun blends themes of fear and desire, crafting a unique homage to the slasher films of the early 1980s. This psychedelic interpretation challenges traditional genre narratives dominated by the male perspective. Schoenbrun skillfully juxtaposes iconic titles such as Halloween, Friday the 13th, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, while also examining the controversial 1983 film Sleepaway Camp, known for its polarizing elements regarding LGBTQ+ representation.
The film’s title recalls Kathy Acker’s 1984 novel Blood and Guts in High School, aptly reflecting the film’s exploration of youth, nostalgia, and comfort food, featuring familiar treats like KFC and KitKats. Its aesthetic appeals particularly to those who discovered horror films at a young age, reminiscent of Wes Craven’s notorious 1972 film Last House on the Left, marked by its unsettling tagline.
Schoenbrun’s narrative resonates with a sense of nostalgia as the opening credits outline the fictional Camp Miasma franchise. The original film depicted teen counselors hunted by the cryptic killer known as Little Death, achieving significant popularity akin to that of Friday the 13th. Following a troubled trajectory, the franchise continued with diminishing artistic success, ultimately spawning a range of merchandise.
Central to the story is Kris, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder, a non-binary, polyamorous filmmaker tasked with rebooting the Camp Miasma series. Caught between artistic integrity and studio pressures for a politically correct update, Kris is portrayed as a quintessential Schoenbrun heroine—someone grappling with their identity. Their complex romantic entanglements further emphasize this internal conflict, particularly in relation to a character named Thor.
Kris’s journey leads her to seek a cameo from former star Billy, played by Gillian Anderson. Their meeting at the eerie Camp Tivoli—the original filming site—unveils an unexpected layer of the narrative. Billy’s peculiar charm and theatrical presence draw Kris into a deeper exploration of fear and identity, as they watch a screening of the first Camp Miasma film together.
The story’s tone shifts as reality blurs with fantasy, particularly when Billy seemingly resurrects Little Death from the depths of the lake. As Kris navigates her creative vision in a chaotic Zoom meeting with her team, the film addresses themes of sexual awakening and self-discovery. With guidance from Billy, who has her own traumatic history, Kris must confront whether she has the resilience to embody the archetype of the "Final Girl."
Schoenbrun’s blend of horror and romance forms the emotional backbone of the film, showcasing the characters’ struggles and strengths.
Title: Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Festival: Cannes (Un Certain Regard)
Distributor: Mubi
Director-Screenwriter: Jane Schoenbrun
Cast: Hannah Einbinder, Gillian Anderson, Patrick Fischler, Eva Victor, Dylan Baker
Running Time: 1 hr 46 mins
