Queer Cinema Visionaries: Einbinder & Schoenbrun Dissect 'Camp Miasma' and the Future

Hannah Einbinder expresses optimism regarding the future of queer cinema, particularly after her starring role in writer/director Jane Schoenbrun's latest film, "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma." Einbinder shared her hopes with Variety at the U.S. premiere in Los Angeles on July 29, stating her belief that the potential success of such films will foster greater trust in queer filmmakers and showrunners within Hollywood.

"Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" commenced its limited release on August 7, demonstrating strong performance by earning an impressive $251,000 from just five screens, averaging $50,300 per location. Distributor Mubi plans to expand the film's reach to 50 new theaters the following weekend before its nationwide launch on August 21. The movie also co-stars veteran actress Gillian Anderson.

This film marks a significant tonal departure for Jane Schoenbrun, whose 2024 sophomore feature, "I Saw the TV Glow," was characterized as a dizzyingly psychological horror drama. In contrast, "Camp Miasma" is a slasher comedy, expertly crafted to be both spooky and humorous. Schoenbrun reflected on this shift, explaining that the film emerged from a period of personal transformation: "I was going through a period of time that was really scary, but also really joyful... And after the one-two punch of trauma that was ‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair’ and ‘TV Glow,’ I was finally starting to feel good in my body and self, and so I think it represents a freer and more joyful part of my life."

The narrative of "Camp Miasma" follows Kris, portrayed by Einbinder, a queer filmmaker who is tasked with rebooting the in-universe "Camp Miasma" horror franchise. Kris becomes captivated by the idea of recruiting Billy Presley, played by Anderson, who is now a recluse and the original star of the first film. Her quest to collaborate with the former ingenue leads her to the very camp where the initial "Camp Miasma" movie was filmed, and where Billy currently resides. As Kris endeavors to uncover the origin story of Camp Miasma, the two embark on a gory, sexy, and campy romp through the woods. Despite its lighthearted, sapphic undertones, Kris encounters her share of jump scares, perpetrated by both Billy and Little Death (Jack Haven), the ghost behind the camp's ongoing murders.

Schoenbrun expressed validation as a filmmaker from the audience's receptive reaction to a "goofy" film. They emphasized their desire to continue creating works that explore and push the boundaries of the medium, aiming for each film to feel unexpected. Jasmin Savoy Brown, who plays Mari, Kris’ partner, lauded Schoenbrun's approach: "Jane is really smart and really intentional, while at the same time very collaborative... That’s what’s really fun about working with filmmakers that aren’t seen: straight white men. Anyone outside of that binary, especially someone so outside of that binary, is going to have a different approach and different energy."

While "Camp Miasma" leans more comedic than Schoenbrun's previous works, "TV Glow" and "World’s Fair," the director clarified that this doesn't dictate the future of queer films. Schoenbrun stated, "We put our antennas up as artists, and whatever comes in, whatever it is, is what it should be." Patrick Fischler, who plays a harbinger-of-doom gas station attendant, praised Schoenbrun as a "super special human being" and voiced strong belief in their vision. Fischler highlighted the film's potential to foster understanding: "I want movies that everyone can relate to, so that we can open up the eyes and minds of a lot of close-minded people in the country, in the world. A movie like this can do it because it’s accessible, and it’s Jane’s vision. I just want more of this."

The Los Angeles premiere of "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" saw attendance from numerous cast and crew members, including Graham Mason, Matthew Hyland, Kendra Terpenning, Patrick Fischler, Sepi Mashiahof, Gillian Anderson, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Eric Yue, Hannah Einbinder, Jane Schoenbrun, Willy McGee, Caddy Vanasirikul, Brandon Tonner-Connolly, and Jasmin Savoy Brown. Einbinder was also seen reuniting with her "Hacks" team—Jen Statsky, Lucia Aniello, and Paul W. Downs—at the premiere, and later posed with Kristen Stewart at the after-party.