Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section just got a major vibe check. The world premiere of Jane Schoenbrun’s third feature, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, kicked off with the kind of chaos that usually signals a future cult classic.
The screening ended with a tearful Schoenbrun hugging stars Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, and a six-minute standing ovation from the audience. In other words, it was a good night for the cast and crew. It also signals that you can expect a killer film (in more ways than one).
Image via Deadline
The Meta-Slasher We Deserve
Produced by Mubi, the film is a queer slasher that functions as a sharp, bloody middle finger to Hollywood’s obsession with “woke” reboots of dormant IP.
The story follows an enthusiastic young director (Einbinder) tasked with resurrecting the long-dead Camp Miasma franchise. Her first stop: the original film’s star (Gillian Anderson), a reclusive legend living in a shroud of mystery. Naturally, the two women spiral into a “delirious world of desire and fear” that involves a lot of practical gore.
“Started From the Bottom”
Schoenbrun set the tone early, opening the screening with a quote by Drake.
“There’s this song by Drake called ‘Started From the Bottom,’ and it goes, ‘Started from the bottom, now we’re here,’” they told the crowd. “It’s unbelievable… I can’t believe I’m standing up here in a room full of people who are here to watch our movie.”
The mood inside the theater was electric, with audience members—including James Franco and Jordan Firstman—vibing with the film’s narrative and extremely over-the-top, blood-drenched death sequences.
A Bloody Good Cast
Beyond the powerhouse duo of Einbinder and Anderson, Schoenbrun has assembled a “who’s who” of indie and comedy talent. The cast includes Zach Cherry and Sarah Sherman, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Quintessa Swindell, Dylan Baker, Patrick Fischler, and Kevin McDonald.
The film reportedly earned big laughs for its biting critique of studio culture. However, the laughter was reportedly dround out by actors screaming while being absolutely drenched in (what we hope is) stage blood.
Mark Your Calendars
Whether you’re in it for the meta-commentary or the “Summerween” slasher vibes, you won’t have to wait long. Mubi is set to unleash Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma in U.S. theaters on August 7, 2026.
