Karyn Kusama
Biography
Karyn Kusama is an American filmmaker born on March 21, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York. She made her directorial and writing feature film debut with the sports drama Girlfight in 2000. Kusama has directed various films, including the science fiction action film Æon Flux, the cult horror comedy film Jennifer's Body, and the horror film The Invitation. She has also directed segments in the all-female horror anthology film XX and the crime thriller film Destroyer. Kusama has worked extensively as a television director and has been credited with directing 34 projects.
Career overview
Karyn Kusama is an American filmmaker who made her directorial and writing feature film debut with the sports drama Girlfight in 2000. The film received a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. Kusama's subsequent work includes the science fiction action film Æon Flux, based on Peter Chung's animated series of the same name, and the cult horror comedy film Jennifer's Body.
Kusama has also directed extensively for television and has worked on various projects, including a segment in the all-female horror anthology film XX. Her filmography also includes the horror film The Invitation and the Nicole Kidman-starring crime thriller film Destroyer. Kusama's known credits number 34.
Kusama's background and personal life are not explicitly stated in the provided sources. However, her professional career as a director has been marked by a range of projects, from sports dramas to science fiction and horror films. Her work has been recognized with nominations and accolades, including a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
39 titles- The Terror: Devil in Silver (2026) Director
- Chain Reactions (2025) as Self
- Boorman and the Devil (2025) as Self
- The Consultant (2023) Director
- Dead Ringers (2023) Director
- Lynch/Oz (2023) as Host (Chapter 4: 'Multitudes') (voice)
- Sex on Screen (2023) as Self
- Body Parts (2022) as Self
- Yellowjackets (2021) Director
- Yellowjackets (2021) Executive Producer
- The Outsider (2020) Director
- Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on The Exorcist (2019) Executive Producer
- Destroyer (2018) Director
- Half the Picture (2018) as Self
- XX (2017) Writer
- XX (2017) Director
- 78/52 (2017) as Self
- Billions (2016) Director
- The Invitation (2016) Director
- The Man in the High Castle (2015) Director
- Casual (2015) Director
- Speechless (2015) Director
- Halt and Catch Fire (2014) Director
- Masters of Sex (2013) Director
- Chicago Fire (2012) Director
- Jennifer's Body (2009) Director
- In Treatment (2008) Director
- Æon Flux (2005) Director
- The L Word (2004) Director
- Girlfight (2000) Director
- Girlfight (2000) Writer
- Life Is Strange Director
- Life Is Strange Executive Producer
- Jennifer's Body 2 Director
- Breed Director
- Stan Director
- Sleeping Beauties Director
- Bad Behavior Director
- Bad Behavior Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Karyn Kusama best known for?
Karyn Kusama is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Terror: Devil in Silver (2026), Boorman and the Devil (2026), The Consultant (2023), Yellowjackets (2021).
When and where was Karyn Kusama born?
Karyn Kusama was born on March 21, 1968 in Brooklyn, New York, USA.
How many credits does Karyn Kusama have?
Karyn Kusama has accumulated over 39 film and television credits across a career spanning from 2000 to 2026.
What is Karyn Kusama's background in cinema and television?
Karyn Kusama is an American filmmaker born on March 21, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York. She made her directorial and writing feature film debut with the sports drama Girlfight in 2000. Kusama has directed various films, including the science fiction action film Æon Flux, the cult horror comedy film Jennifer's Body, and th...