Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section got off to an outrageous start with the world premiere of “Camp Miasma,” a queer slasher movie that’s equal parts uproariously funny and confoundingly heady. Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson star in the writer-director’s third feature film, which received a six-minute standing ovation on Wednesday night as Schoenbrun hugged their stars to roaring applause and cheers from the crowd.
“OK, what should we do now?” Einbinder asked as the applause reached its peak and began to die down. Schoenbrun then said they were speechless as Einbinder thanked those who stuck around until the end. Audience members who got on the movie’s wavelength were audibly vibing with the narrative, while a majority of others were quick to leave the theater right as the screen cut to black. Those who stayed in attendance — including James Franco and Jordan Firstman — championed Schoenbrun and their leading ladies. It’s clear Mubi has a polarizing genre offering on its hands that is destined to be another cult obsession for the director’s fans.
The movie earned big laughs throughout its runtime for its biting critique of Hollywood reboot culture, particularly major studios’ desire to bring “woke” sensibilities to long-dormant franchise IP. The laughter continued through many of the movie’s insanely over-the-top slasher sequences that leave the majority of actors drenched in blood.
Schoenbrun opened the screening by quoting the rapper Drake: “There’s this song by Drake called ‘Started From the Bottom,’ and it goes, ‘Started from the bottom, now we’re here,’” they said. “It’s unbelievable, I can’t believe we’re standing up here, I can’t believe I’m standing up here in a room full of people who are here to watch our movie.”
Added Einbinder, “I’m grateful to all these people up here and all of our collaborators here in this room. There are so many other incredible collaborators who really poured their heart and soul into this film. I hope everyone feels ready to laugh, ready to have fun, join in on a communal experience and kind of be one tonight with each other. I’ll see you on the other side.”
Anderson also shared that it was her first Cannes, and she was proud to be there to support the movie.
The film’s synopsis from Mubi reads: “After years of slapdash sequels and waning fandom, the ‘Camp Miasma’ slasher franchise is handed over to an enthusiastic young director for resurrection. But when she visits the original movie’s star, a now-reclusive actress shrouded in mystery, the two women fall into a blood-soaked world of desire, fear and delirium.”
Schoenbrun’s supporting cast includes Amanda Fix, Arthur Conti, Eva Victor, Zach Cherry, Sarah Sherman, Patrick Fischler, Dylan Baker, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Quintessa Swindell, Kevin McDonald and Jack Haven.
Prior to “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,” Schoenbrun directed the acclaimed horror movie “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” and “I Saw the TV Glow,” the latter of which was released by A24. Both movies world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Mubi said prior to Cannes that Schoenbrun’s latest movie would continue the director’s “body of work shaped by themes of trans identity and queer horror.”
Mubi will release “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” in U.S. theaters on Aug. 7.
