PAM CUT spoiled Portland residents by hosting a screening of one of the most anticipated films of the year, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, at the Tomorrow Theater. As a delightful added bonus, the screening also included a Q&A with writer and director Jane Schoenbrun (I Saw the TV Glow, We’re All Going to the Worlds Fair) and star Hannah Einbinder (Hacks, Seekers of Infinite Love). The film follows a young filmmaker tasked with rebooting a controversial 80s slasher franchise. When she goes to meet the original star of the first film, who lives at the same camp the first film was shot in, both women embark on a journey of blood and sex. It’s an unabashedly queer story as tender as it is violent.

The “Camp Miasma” franchise is clearly inspired by Friday the 13th, from the font to the dizzying number of sequels, as well as cult classics like Sleepaway Camp. Einbinder’s character, Kris, is a stand-in for horror fans. Just like so many fans, she has a deep love and appreciation for the franchise, knowing so much about the history of the complicated killer known as “Little Death.” Just as the audience learns more about Little Death and the legend surrounding this character, Kris learns there is so much more to the story. At the same time, she learns some hard truths about herself. All the while, Kris is being guided by Billy, the reclusive star of the first film. Watching Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is almost like going through puberty. It feels awkward and uncomfortable at times, it can be gross and messy and bloody, and it’s a time when one begins to understand their sexual desires. Yet the person you become in the end makes it all worth while.

Those who know and love Schoenbrun’s previous films are in for something a bit different with Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. While their signature visual style is still very much present, as well as their knack for layering themes and metaphors, this film feels tonally quite different. The camp level is ramped up, but what makes this film even more unique from Schoenbrun’s previous work is the humor. There are many laugh-out-loud moments as audiences experience this unique cinematic journey. Despite this, Schoenbrun still weaves in plenty of deeper meaning and messaging throughout the plot. Some of this is more obvious, such as criticizing Hollywood only wanting to make films from existing IP over funding exciting, new stories and voices. Others might take a bit more brain power, like Kris’s relationship with sex and how that evolves alongside her better understanding of Little Death. As a fun aside, a poetic French idiom for an orgasm is “la petite mort,” which translates to “little death.” With this information, one could surmise that Little Death is a physical manifestation of that sexual release. What makes Schoenbrun’s films so beautiful is not just the themes they wanted audiences to pick up on, but the things audiences interpret and take away on their own. Every single person who sees Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma will get something different from it, leading to all manner of discussions, debates, and analyses for years to come.

A huge draw of Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma are the two stars. Einbinder plays Kris, the young filmmaker given the chance to make a Camp Miasma film. From Einbinder’s previous work, it’s clear she is very skilled and blending comedy into any genre. As Kris, she brings a lovable awkwardness as she gets to do what many horror fans wish they could do, meet and stay with the star of their favorite film. Her journey is so beautiful as she comes to better understand the film she loves, the woman she idolizes, and herself. This might be some of Einbinder’s best work yet, and from watching her talk about the film during the Q&A, it certainly seems like she feels passionately about the art she helped bring to life. Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, Sex Education) plays Billy, the strange, reclusive former actress who starred in the first Camp Miasma film. Anderson is a vision in this role, giving Billy a Southern drawl. Billy keeps her true thoughts and feelings hidden, but Anderson still conveys so much with her eyes. Billy is a bizarre woman, but there’s also a magnetism Anderson brings that will make audiences hungry for more. Not to mention, Eindinder and Anderson have absolutely breathtaking chemistry, adding a sexual charge every time the two share the screen.

Horror fans and cinephiles alike will absolutely fall in love with the visual aesthetics of Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. First, let’s talk about the gore. Schoenbrun takes the blood and violence to a campy, over-the-top place. Using a combination of practical effects and CGI, the violence inflicted by Little Death often goes to explosive heights. It makes the violence almost artful while also adding a touch of humor. Little Death also has quite an interesting look with a large, box-like helmet meant to resemble a ceiling air vent one might find in a place like a video rental store. It allows for an iconic, memorable look sure to also bring some laughs. Most of the film takes place at the camp during a snowy winter. Instead of using real locations, Schoenbrun chose to primarily use created sets with absolutely breathtaking painted backgrounds to bring the scenery to life. It’s not only a visually interesting choice, but it also adds an uncanny sense of whimsy to the Summer camp that holds so much history and hidden meaning. Even the interior sets and the props carefully balance reality with fantasy, often with copious amounts of candy. The costume design plays an important role in letting the audience know who each character is, as well as the makeup, with this being especially true for Billy’s striking look. It’s all brought to the screen with gorgeous cinematography, including a number of split diopter shots and even a brilliant SnorriCam sequence. On top of these gorgeous visuals, the film also features a wonderful score by Alex G (I Saw the TV Glow), and a killer soundtrack.

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is a campy, queer, surreal slasher that brilliantly tells a coming of age story for those who find themselves later in life. As with Schoenbrun’s past work, this film is deeply rooted in their personal experience, but it’s apparent they took a far more fun approach to telling this story. Einbinder and Anderson are outstanding as their individual characters, but they really set fire to the screen every time they’re together. There is so much to look at throughout the entire film, from the gore to the scenery, that each rewatch will undoubtedly reveal new details. This is a film that will be studied by aspiring filmmakers for how beautifully it weaves together thought-provoking themes. It’s the perfect blend of deeper metaphor and lighter-hearted laughter all wrapped in the accessibility of a classic 80s slasher. Go see Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma in select theaters beginning August 7th, nationwide August 14th, and be sure to stick around for a fun little post-credit scene.

OVERALL RATING: 9/10