The Brilliant, Funny, Strange New Movie That Grapples With a 1980s Cult Classic

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, a new film directed by Jane Schoenbrun and starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson, has sparked widespread discussion since its release earlier this month. The movie, which blends elements of coming-of-age storytelling with a sharp critique of nostalgic fandom, centers on Kris Williams, a 29-year-old filmmaker grappling with her deep emotional connection to a 1980s slasher franchise known as Camp Miasma. While the film superficially resembles the iconic horror series Friday the 13th, it draws heavily from the cult classic Camp Miasma, a fictional franchise that has become a metaphor for the complex relationship many viewers have with media they grew up loving. The narrative follows Kris as she attempts to revive the fading brand of Camp Miasma, a franchise infamous for its exploitative and often offensive content. The story unfolds through a mix of documentary-style interviews, archival footage, and dramatized scenes, creating a layered exploration of how fans navigate their attachments to flawed works. The film opens with a montage of memorabilia related to Camp Miasma, including action figures of its faceless killer, Little Death, who is depicted with an air-conditioning vent for a head and a spear. These items serve as visual reminders of the franchise's bizarre aesthetic and its long-standing appeal despite its problematic themes. Kris, portrayed by Einbinder, is a self-described "Sundance prodigy," a term used to describe filmmakers who gain critical acclaim but remain relatively obscure within mainstream cinema. Her character is deeply invested in the legacy of Camp Miasma, having first encountered the franchise at the age of eight. She recalls being captivated by the film's graphic violence and explicit sexual content, which left a lasting impression on her. However, as she matures, she begins to feel ashamed of her attachment, particularly in light of the franchise's controversial history, including its transphobic tropes and exploitative portrayal of women. To further explore her relationship with Camp Miasma, Kris reaches out to Billy Presley, a former protagonist from the original films played by Gillian Anderson. Their meeting becomes a pivotal moment in the film, as Kris tries to convince Billy to take a role in a planned reboot of the franchise. During their conversation, Kris attempts to frame her project as a serious artistic endeavor focused on themes of queerness and monstrosity. Yet, the underlying motivation for her involvement seems to be more personal than professional. The film delves into the broader cultural phenomenon of "problematic faves", loved works or figures that have come under scrutiny for their historical or ideological flaws. This concept gained traction in the early 2010s, particularly on platforms like Tumblr, where users began questioning the ethics of idolizing individuals or texts with questionable histories. The film suggests that while it is important to acknowledge these flaws, it is equally crucial to recognize the emotional significance such works can hold for their audiences. As the plot unfolds, the tension between nostalgia and accountability becomes increasingly apparent. The film does not offer easy answers but instead invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships with media they once adored. Through its blend of humor, introspection, and genre parody, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma challenges the audience to consider the complexities of fandom and the enduring power of stories that shape our identities.