The cast and crew of the horror film “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” gathered Wednesday night for a premiere event at the Directors Guild of America Theater on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. The film, directed by Jane Schoenbrun and distributed by Mubi, will open in theaters this Friday following its breakout success at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received the Queer Palm award. The prize recognizes films that highlight LGBTQIA+ themes, feminist perspectives, or challenge traditional gender norms.

“Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” stars comedian Hannah Einbinder as Kris, a film director rebooting a cult slasher series who becomes fixated on the original franchise’s star, played by Gillian Anderson. The film blends horror with comedy, exploring themes of sexual identity and emotional complexity. Schoenbrun, who also wrote the film, described the project as the most joyful experience of their career. They noted their lifelong affinity for horror films, which they see as a way of acknowledging the strangeness beneath everyday life.

Anderson shared that she did not grow up watching many horror films, recalling a formative but unsettling experience with “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” as a child. Einbinder, by contrast, described horror and comedy as related in their ability to evoke strong physical and emotional reactions.

The premiere event featured a staged carpet decorated with fake grass and bloodstains. Actor Jack Haven startled attendees briefly with a dramatic scream during an interview. Following the screening, cast and guests moved to El Coyote, a longtime Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles known both for its margaritas and its historical connection to the Manson family murders in 1969. Under neon lights and festive decorations, the group enjoyed Mexican cuisine and mingled with fans while music played.

Among those in attendance were actors Kristen Stewart and Mark Indelicato, as well as the showrunners of the series “Hacks,” Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky. The social gathering included conversations about the film’s exploration of darker human emotions, particularly those related to sexuality and shame. Anderson recounted multiple audience interpretations of the film’s central themes, noting a recurring suggestion that the story centered on orgasms.

The film’s blend of horror, humor, and queer perspectives has drawn attention for its fresh approach to genre storytelling, appealing to both dedicated horror fans and newcomers alike.