Shia LaBeouf’s Theater Company Exposed in Cannes Doc: Abuse, Regret and a Search for Redemption

A new documentary that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival has sparked major discussion for its intense and troubling subject. Slauson Rec, directed by Leo Lewis O’Neil, takes viewers inside actor Shia LaBeouf’s now-defunct theater company in South Central Los Angeles. The film, which screened in the Cannes Classics section, received a two-minute standing ovation on Sunday.The project began in 2018 as a creative community effort, but the documentary shows it quickly spiraling into emotional chaos. LaBeouf, who attended the screening, was seeing the finished film for the first time.

In the documentary, LaBeouf reflects on his past behavior. “I’ve done a lot of coming to terms with the failure that was my life,” he says in a present-day interview. “I left a lot of people in the wake of my personality defects.”The tone inside the screening reportedly matched the film’s emotional journey—moments of hope quickly turned to scenes of anger, arguments, and unsettling behavior. Nearly 30 audience members left the theater before the film ended.

The film includes disturbing moments, such as a story involving a young woman named Sarah. She was given a lead role in a pandemic-era drive-in play produced by LaBeouf’s company. Even while her mother was hospitalized, Sarah continued rehearsals. But two weeks before the show opened, LaBeouf fired her, saying the production worked better without her.Another company member, Zeke, landed a role on Netflix’s On My Block while also rehearsing with the company. LaBeouf grew hostile, mocked him, and eventually physically attacked him during an argument. Footage shows LaBeouf yelling and shoving Zeke against a wall.

Director O’Neil told Vanity Fair that he originally joined LaBeouf’s acting classes as a cameraman. LaBeouf invited him to film everything. Over several years, O’Neil documented the rise and fall of the acting group, which was shut down in November 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.Just one month later, LaBeouf was sued by singer FKA Twigs for sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress. O’Neil said he shared a trailer of the film with LaBeouf, who reportedly approved it without asking for edits—even though it includes scenes of physical aggression.

In a statement to Vanity Fair, LaBeouf said: “I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit. I am aware of the doc and fully support the release of the film. While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved. Together we turned a drama class into an acting company. I wish only good things for Leo and everyone who was part of The Slauson Rec Company.”Related topics: