you probably DO want to know what this movie is about before you decide if you want to watch it
lol
Pardon me, Jane Schoenbrun. I was not familiar with your game.
Like, actually. I did not know who Jane Schoenbrun was before I went to see this movie…
…and I’d argue that was a mistake.
Simply because if I had the context that this was the same director as I Saw the TV Glow and We’re All Going to the World’s Fair then I would have been far more prepared for this utter fever dream of a film.
So, this is your warning – this ain’t no traditional horror film. If you’re looking for a campy slasher film then you are going to be severely disappointed.
HOWEVER
That doesn’t mean I’m not recommending this movie. I am instead recommending that you only see this movie if you’re ready to turn your brain ON rather than OFF.
Don’t get me wrong: I love campy slashers. But they don’t exist to be thought-provoking, they’re just silly fun. Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is gonna make you think.
In broad strokes, this film is about repressed sexuality. There are very vivid themes of trans expression, escapism, trauma, and sexual awakening. “Vivid” may be the best word to describe this film. Perhaps too vivid, in my opinion, but I’m not sure if I fully appreciated what it was on a first watch.
Unlike I Saw the TV Glow (a masterpiece), Camp Miasma is extremely explicit in its message. Schoenbrun goes as far as to employ obviously intentional, over-the-top CGI at several key points in the film and leverages the horny tropes of traditional slashers to bring sexuality to the forefront of this film. I Saw The TV Glow is much more subtle and you could conceivably walk away from it not fully understanding the deeper meaning behind it. Alternatively, if you don’t understand what Camp Miasma is trying to say then you might not be smarter than a 5th grader…
This isn’t even remotely a slasher film, to be clear. I’d categorize this as more of a psychological thriller with a prominently slasher backdrop. It’s more about the relationship between a reclusive slasher movie star, the super fan director trying to resuscitate the franchise, and their shared sexual awakening.
It’s funny, sensual, and bizarre as hell.
If I’m being honest, I initially walked out somewhat unimpressed. But I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it for the past few days… and the more I think about it, the more I appreciate the genius behind it.
I haven’t quite formulated a coherent thought on it, yet. Although as someone who has spent years in therapy trying to unpack my own shame around my masculinity and sexuality (as unimpressive as it is saying that as a CIS hetero white male…), this depiction of similar themes really resonated with me.
I’ve always found it strange how pop culture trivializes sex when it is such an intimate and vulnerable exchange. I think that’s part of what Schoenbrun is trying to address here. At least, that’s how it landed with me and I appreciated that aspect.
Anyway, this isn’t about me…
In sum:
This isn’t a movie for everyone.
If you’re not queer or you don’t consider yourself an ally then do the rest of the world a favor and don’t watch this movie.
You won’t get it and no one wants to hear how much you thought it sucked. There are plenty of other spaces for you to be lame and closed-minded.
Let the folks who are meant to enjoy this movie enjoy it.
As for me, I’d rate this a solid A-tier. Not supremely entertaining, but thought-provoking enough to warrant a good rating.
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