Summary

I Saw the TV Glow is a horror film that explores the impact of childhood TV show obsessions and identity struggle on impressionable teenagers. The film delves into the uncertainties and doubts that arise when consuming media and how it can warp one’s sense of self. The emotional roller coaster of the film is enhanced by Justice Smith’s vulnerable performance, amplifying the significance of the director’s message on self-discovery.

At the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, writer-director Jane Schoenbrun introduced to the world a new genre of emo horror with We’re All Going to the World’s Fair. With I Saw the TV Glow, Schoenbrun expands upon their design by offering a potent exploration of reality versus fiction. The film follows Justice Smith as Owen, a loner teenager trying to make it through life in the suburbs. When his friend Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) introduces him to a show called “The Pink Opaque,” Owen’s world turns upside down as his growing obsession with the late-night horror mystery begins to dismantle his reality.

I Saw the TV Glow is a horror film by writer-director Jane Schoenbrun, released in 2024. A young man named Owen is introduced to a late-night TV show that reflects their reality. As the two begin to bond over the series, it suddenly is canceled, causing Owen’s view of reality to shatter. ProsI Saw the TV Glow is very immersive The film creatively explores one’s sense of self ConsIt can be difficult to ascertain the outcome Certain plots take their time to be revealed

I Saw the TV Glow Is A Visceral Allegory For Queer Discovery

Even though there are moments that lean into the silliness and far-fetched aspects, with just enough patience, they become part of the film’s other-worldly experience.

From its synopsis, you might be able to guess that Schoenbrun’s feature tackles childhood TV show obsessions and identity struggle. But more than that, I Saw the TV Glow is an amalgamation of pop culture consumption with self-discovery and its direct impact on shaping the minds of impressionable teenagers. Through Owen, who has no real sense of self, the script examines his source of fear and doubt as he struggles to maintain his identity outside “The Pink Opaque.” It also serves as a visceral allegory for how people in the queer community may feel thanks to the writer-director’s personal touches.

The more Owen consumes episodes of the show, the more his mind is warped by the uncertainties of who he thinks he is. His recollection of childhood memories and his present relationship with Maddy often sway his decision about who he’s supposed to be. This is when the film explodes into a more meaningful story beyond a typical coming of age. Creatively, Schoenbrun also exercises their greatest strength in visual storytelling by immersing the audience in Owen’s rising confusion. The film marches towards a more confident and ethereal experience, which is similar to the awakenings of the characters.

Schoenbrun’s Direction Takes Us On An Emotional Roller Coaster
I Saw the TV Glow Release Date January 18, 2024 Director Jane Schoenbrun Cast Justice Smith , Brigette Lundy-Paine , Danielle Deadwyler , Fred Durst , Helena Howard , Ian Foreman Runtime 100 Minutes Writers Jane Schoenbrun Distributor(s) A24 Studio(s) Smudge Films , Fruit Tree

While often a mix of childlike wonder and hypnotic storytelling, I Saw the TV Glow is an experience that requires patience and empathy. The pacing is often reflective of Owen’s journey, and at times it’s difficult to ascertain the outcome. Also, certain plots take their time to be revealed, which feels like some components are included just to be a distraction with purposeful deviation. Either way, audiences who love third-act ambiguity or scripts that leave things to be interpreted will find joy in Schoenbrun’s kaleidoscopic emotional roller coaster. Underneath all its quirkiness and campy vibes lies an experience worth taking.

The complexity of young adulthood under the gaze of self-discovery is a consistently poignant component of the film when other elements begin to falter in quality. As an example, the emotional moments are often accompanied by rambunctious music to the point of overwhelming intensity. Yet, these sequences remain important ones despite some of the silliness that is inherent to Owen’s show obsession. Even with all these interesting elements in the script, it is Justice Smith’s convincingly vulnerable performance that amplifies them, eliminating any doubt about his rising stardom and certifying the significance of Schoenbrun’s message.

The complexity of young adulthood under the gaze of self-discovery is a consistently poignant component of the film.

A well-intentioned, mystifying story about self-discovery, I Saw the TV Glow is a creative feature. Fans of the director’s enigmatic filmmaking will be eager to know that A24 will be releasing it later this year. The film gives good insight into the confusion and fear we may face when exploring our sense of self. Even though there are moments that lean into the silliness and far-fetched aspects, with just enough patience, they become part of the film’s other-worldly experience. And thanks to Smith’s leading performance, the emotional, sometimes nightmarish roller coaster he takes us on is a showstopping one.

I Saw the TV Glow premiered during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.