Slauson Rec: The Rise and Fall of Shia LaBeouf’s Theater Collective Explored

Slauson Rec, an impactful documentary by debut filmmaker Leo Lewis O’Neil, chronicles the vibrant ascent and tragic decline of Shia LaBeouf’s experimental theater collective. The film was introduced to the Cannes Film Festival remarkably close to its launch, with just a week’s notice before the 2025 event commenced. Prior to this announcement, LaBeouf publicly affirmed his complete support for the documentary, acknowledging that it explores his multifaceted persona—from a charismatic leader to a troubled artist and, at times, a demanding mentor.

LaBeouf demonstrated his commitment by attending the film’s world premiere at the Cannes Classics section on Sunday, where he would view the final cut for the first time alongside the audience. Additionally, he granted a rare interview with The Hollywood Reporter, marking one of the few discussions he would have regarding Slauson Rec.

Joining the conversation from a serene spot in his expansive Los Angeles backyard, LaBeouf, sporting a full beard and adorned in an American Cinematheque cap, was open and introspective. He shared this enlightening hour with O’Neil, emphasizing their deep mutual respect: “I see Leo and it’s all love,” LaBeouf expressed. “We love each other deeply.”

O’Neil, who transitioned from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles, first met LaBeouf in 2018 when the actor announced on Twitter his intention to create a new theater school at Slauson Recreation Center. His invitation drew over a hundred participants eager to collaborate, sparking LaBeouf’s commitment to cultivating a theatrical space that embraced those on the margins of the industry.

Notably, O’Neil was not a filmmaker but felt compelled to document the unique experiences of the collective. He approached LaBeouf with a request to become Slauson Rec’s official archivist, capturing three years’ worth of intimate footage that totaled 145 minutes and was extracted from an impressive 800 hours of recordings. The documentary provides a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate boundary between mentoring and manipulation, showcasing LaBeouf pushing participants to their emotional and physical limits through a blend of tough love, harsh discipline, and confrontational methods.

As LaBeouf prepared for the premiere, he reflected on the film’s potential impact: “When this thing comes out, it isn’t any worse than what’s been said about me previously. Maybe it reifies people’s ideas about me. I think, at heart, I’m a good guy. Am I messed up? Yes. Is my process ugly and twisted? Yes. Have I done terrible things in the past that I’ll need to amend for the rest of my life? Yes. But this movie can also provide opportunities for others in the industry.”

Insights from the Interview

Thanks for doing this. It’s an interesting interview with the two of you; Shia, you’ve been to Cannes many times, and Leo, this is your debut film and you got into Cannes. I can only imagine how you’re feeling at the moment.

O’NEIL: I’ve never shown a film or attended a film festival before, so this is going to be surreal. I honestly have no idea what to expect.

Shia, looking back at your previous experiences at Cannes — from Megalopolis to Honeyboy — how does this premiere feel in comparison?

LABEOUF: That’s a profound question. The most significant moment for me at Cannes was in 2012 when I presented a short film that had been plagiarized and faced substantial backlash. That experience was eye-opening and pushed me into the realm of performance art. It ultimately led to my connection with Leo.

LaBeouf elaborated on how that pivotal event transformed his approach to artistry, emphasizing the importance of finding creative connections with those outside the mainstream. “We were all misfits,” he recalled, explaining that it was this unique blend that allowed O’Neil to document their journey so intimately. “We had to take risks and explore different aspects of ourselves.”

A Shared Journey of Discovery

O’Neil articulated how deeply meaningful his time within the group was: “It’s hard to articulate the significance of what we built together. These people became my family. Documenting that complexity was both an honor and a responsibility.” This sentiment was echoed by LaBeouf, who recognized the mutual support they offered each other throughout this exploration.

LABEOUF: Leo’s perspectives reveal the weight of these experiences and the personal stakes involved. There’s a tradition of deep documentation, a legacy seen in films like Hearts of Darkness. This isn’t new; intimate stories are essential to artistic expression.

LaBeouf acknowledged the challenges of navigating relationships within the group, illustrating that the raw emotions captured on camera stemmed from honest, often painful experiences. He reiterated that this documentary isn’t solely a catalog of his behaviors but also a commentary on the struggles of collaboration within a creative sphere.

The Aftermath and Looking Ahead

The documentary offers a poignant look at the aftermath of their creative lab, marked by both volatile confrontations and profound connections. LaBeouf reflected on the need for personal accountability, stating: “I’m just a sinner trying to navigate my way through.” He aims to use this platform to inspire dialogue and foster authenticity within the artistic community.

O’Neil added, “Through this film, I hope to challenge audiences to reconsider the complexities of mentorship and the responsibility that comes with creativity.” For both men, this premiere signifies not just a culmination of their journey but a necessary step toward healing and growth.

LABEOUF: Ultimately, we’re striving for real conversations and connections. We’ve walked through the fire together, and now it’s time to emerge with newfound clarity.

Final Thoughts

The release of Slauson Rec at Cannes promises to be a defining moment not just for O’Neil’s burgeoning career but also for LaBeouf as he seeks redemption in an industry that has seen both his talents and transgressions. As these two artists forge ahead, they share a commitment to authenticity, collaboration, and the unyielding pursuit of creative truth.