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Queer Horror Film “Little Death” Wins Cannes Queer Palm

8/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gillian Anderson portrays Billy, mentoring queer filmmaker Kris in a slasher franchise reboot.
Jane Schoenbrun wrote and directed the film, focusing on queer horror and sexual awakening.
The movie won the Queer Palm at Cannes in May.
It opens in the UK and Ireland on August 21, 2026.
Little Death appears as a spear-wielding trans-vengeance specter emerging from a lake hole.

History

Historical Context

Cannes has increasingly used its global platform to honor queer cinema, and the latest Queer Palm award to a horror film underscores broader mainstream acceptance. This mirrors the media expansion that began with the first color-televised inauguration in 1961, which opened worldwide audiences to diverse cultural events and new storytelling forms.

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Story summary

Gillian Anderson portrays Billy, mentoring queer filmmaker Kris in a slasher franchise reboot.
Jane Schoenbrun wrote and directed the film, focusing on queer horror and sexual awakening.
The movie won the Queer Palm at Cannes in May.
It opens in the UK and Ireland on August 21, 2026.
Little Death appears as a spear-wielding trans-vengeance specter emerging from a lake hole.

1 / 2