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We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is an intimate coming-of-age horror film

Jane Schoenbrun's first film, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, is a coming-of-age horror story about a lonely young girl who attempts to connect with others in an extremely online world. The film blends horror elements with uncomfortably intimate glimpses into the lif…

By Terrence O'Brien·Aug 23·theverge.com·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

A closeup image of Casey the protaganist of We’re All Going to the World’s Fair with her face covered in something black light reactive, holding something up to her eye and just generally looking like a creep.
A closeup image of Casey the protaganist of We’re All Going to the World’s Fair with her face covered in something black light reactive, holding something up to her eye and just generally looking like a creep.Image: theverge.com

We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is a coming-of-age horror film that explores the online world of a lonely young girl. The film blends horror elements with uncomfortably intimate glimpses into the life of a young girl, raising questions about the nature of online relationships and the vulnerability of young people.

Why it matters

This story matters to someone following Tech because it highlights the intersection of technology and human relationships, particularly in the context of online communities and the vulnerability of young people.

Imagine you're a young girl who feels really lonely and disconnected from the world. You try to connect with others online, but it's hard to know who to trust. This movie is about a girl who tries to fit in with a group of people online, but things get really weird and scary. It's like a mix of a horror movie and a coming-of-age story.

Analysis

The World’s Fair Challenge: A Creepy Online Ritual

The World’s Fair Challenge is a mysterious online ritual that Casey, the protagonist, engages in. It involves a series of creepy mantras, bloodletting, and a mysterious video. The ritual is presented as a sort of game, where people are supposed to report their symptoms as they undergo a transformation. The film raises questions about the nature of online relationships and the vulnerability of young people.

A Lonely Young Girl’s Search for Belonging

We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is a coming-of-age story about a lonely young girl who desperately attempts to connect with others in an extremely online world. Unlike many other coming-of-age films, World’s Fair isn’t about Casey’s sexual awakening and avoids sexualizing her entirely. Instead, it’s about her search for belonging in a world where she feels isolated and disconnected.

The Unsettling Ambiguity of JLB

The relationship between JLB, a lonely middle-aged man, and Casey adds another layer of unease to the film. JLB claims that Casey is in danger, but the film never explicitly states what this danger is. The ambiguity of JLB’s intentions creates a sense of unease, leaving the viewer wondering if he is genuinely trying to help Casey or if he has ulterior motives. The film’s refusal to provide clear answers adds to its unsettling quality, making it a rare indie cinema original that uses body horror tropes in new and interesting ways.

Key points

  • We’re All Going to the World’s Fair is a coming-of-age horror film about a lonely young girl who attempts to connect with others in an extremely online world.
  • The film blends horror elements with uncomfortably intimate glimpses into the life of a young girl, raising questions about the nature of online relationships and the vulnerability of young people.
  • The film’s refusal to provide clear answers adds to its unsettling quality, making it a rare indie cinema original that uses body horror tropes in new and interesting ways.
  • The film explores the intersection of technology and human relationships, particularly in the context of online communities and the vulnerability of young people.
The Upside

The film's exploration of online relationships and the vulnerability of young people could lead to a greater understanding of the importance of online safety and the need for responsible online behavior.

The Downside

The film's portrayal of online harassment and exploitation could lead to a greater awareness of the risks associated with online interactions, particularly for young people.

Originally reported at

theverge.com

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagsai-agentsentertainmentfilmhorroronline-safetytech

Author

Terrence O'Brien

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 23, 2026

Source

theverge.com

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Topics

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