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Shia LaBeouf Documentary 'Slauson Rec' Premieres at Cannes, Drawing Critical Buzz

The film chronicles LaBeouf's controversial theater collective and abuse allegations, with the actor expressing both pride and regret at its debut.

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CANNES, FRANCE - MAY 18: Leo Lewis O'Neil and Shia LaBeouf attends the "The Phoenician Scheme" red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 18, 2025 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
Shia LaBeouf poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'The Phoenician Scheme' at the 78th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Photo by Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)

Overview

  • The documentary 'Slauson Rec,' directed by Leo Lewis O’Neil, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, earning a two-minute ovation and critical attention.
  • The film captures Shia LaBeouf’s intense and abusive mentorship methods during his 2018–2020 theater collective in South Central Los Angeles, which disbanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • LaBeouf, who consented to unedited filming, attended the premiere and described himself as both 'disgusted' with his past behavior and 'happy' for the director's success.
  • Footage in the documentary depicts verbal and physical abuse by LaBeouf, including shoving a student, sparking discussions about power dynamics and accountability in artistic mentorship.
  • The premiere coincides with LaBeouf's ongoing legal battle with FKA Twigs, who has accused him of sexual battery and emotional distress, with the trial scheduled for September 2025.