Gillian Anderson on Horror Debut at Cannes: "I'm So Proud of It"

Gillian Anderson made her Cannes Film Festival debut with the world premiere of Jane Schoenbrun’s psychosexual slasher film, "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma," which opened the Un Certain Regard section. Despite admitting a long-standing fear of horror films stemming from a traumatic teenage experience with "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," Anderson expressed pride in the project. She plays Billy Presley, an eccentric cult horror actress lured back into the limelight by a young queer director, Kris, portrayed by Hannah Einbinder. The film explores themes of desire and fear within a revived youth camp setting. Although critical reception was mixed, the premiere received a nine-minute standing ovation, with enthusiastic fans already labeling it a potential cult classic. Anderson described the role as a postmodern take on Norma Desmond from "Sunset Boulevard," highlighting the complex dynamic between her character and Einbinder’s director. The event marked a significant moment for Anderson, who noted the film's importance and depth despite her personal aversion to the genre.