Jane Schoenbrun returns with a new feature, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. This satirical film follows Kris Williams, a young filmmaker attempting to reboot a classic 1980s slasher franchise. The story centers on her efforts to cast the original star, Billy Presley, who remains a recluse in the Pacific Northwest.
Schoenbrun uses the film to examine the modern obsession with reboots, sequels, and the industry trend of using trauma as a horror trope. The fictional Camp Miasma franchise is portrayed as a cultural touchstone that has lost its direction over time. Kris, who analyzes cinema through a queer academic lens, seeks to address previous criticisms of the original films while confronting her own relationship with the genre.
Beyond the satire, the movie explores the connection between what frightens us and what excites us. The dynamic between Hannah Einbinder, who plays the filmmaker, and Gillian Anderson, as the former star, anchors the narrative. Their interaction provides a genuine human element amidst the meta-commentary on horror tropes.
While the film is ambitious, it occasionally leans heavily into its complex set of ideas. Despite some pacing shifts, the performances from Einbinder and Anderson offer a compelling look at pop-culture obsession. The film invites viewers to consider how media from our past continues to shape our current interests and identities.