Gillian Anderson: If I didn't enjoy my work so much, I might be retired.

Gillian Anderson, best known for her role in The X-Files, has spoken candidly about her career and the challenges of maintaining relevance in Hollywood. During a recent interview with Culto, conducted via Zoom from Los Angeles, Anderson reflected on her latest project, Adolescencia, sexo y muerte en Campamento Miasma (also known as Teenage Dirt Bike Love), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section. The film marks Anderson's portrayal of Billy Presley, a once-celebrated scream queen who retreated from public life and now lives in the same location where she originally gained fame. Anderson expressed enthusiasm for both the character and the film itself, particularly highlighting the opportunity to work alongside director Jane Schoenbrun, whose previous work includes I Saw the TV Glow (2024). She praised Schoenbrun for allowing her to adopt a Southern accent for the role and for providing insight into the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in horror cinema. Anderson emphasized how such collaborations can broaden perspectives and deepen understanding of different narratives. The film also features Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in Hacks, as Kris, a young independent filmmaker trying to revive the Campamento Miasma franchise and persuade Billy to return. Their dynamic on screen showcases a compelling chemistry that blurs the lines between professional and personal connections, reflecting the relationship between two women from different generations and genres. When asked about the difficulty of transforming into Billy, Anderson was measured in her assessment. She noted that while the set design and costumes played a significant role in her transformation, the process itself felt relatively straightforward. This sentiment highlights her ability to immerse herself fully in her roles despite the physical and emotional demands they entail. Anderson also addressed the theme of withdrawing from fame, drawing parallels between Billy’s decision and her own potential inclination towards retirement. She acknowledged the differences between the celebrity landscape of Billy’s time and today, noting the increased expectations placed on modern celebrities. While she admitted to enjoying solitude and having tendencies toward being reclusive, she humorously suggested that if she did not enjoy her work as much, she might consider stepping away from the spotlight entirely. The film will debut in Chilean theaters this coming Thursday and will be available on the streaming platform Mubi at a date yet to be determined. As the release approaches, anticipation builds around Anderson’s performance and the broader themes explored within the narrative of Adolescencia, sexo y muerte en Campamento Miasma.