Opening Up Is Scary, But So Is Staying Trapped
I Saw The TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun and published by A24, is a cult classic in the making. It is a coming-of-age horror movie that combines surreal elements with a down-to-earth story of identity. Schoenbrun, in their second feature film, continues pushing the boundaries of horror on the big screen.
“What if I Were Someone Else?”
The plot of I Saw The TV Glow is deceptively simple: two friends who like to watch the same TV show. Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Jack Haven) are two social outcasts who bond over their love for The Pink Opaque, a cheesy late-night show. The Pink Opaque tells the story of two psychic teens fighting the big bad, Mr. Melancholy. This love turns into an obsession, causing reality to crack, blending the digital and physical worlds. Maddy then goes missing without a trace, except for their TV set burning in the yard. Conveniently, this occurs the same day the last episode of The Pink Opaque airs. It is as difficult for the audience to discern what’s real or not as it is for the characters.
The film is the definition of a slow burn. The viewer won’t be jumping out of their seat in fear. It builds a feeling of dread and uneasiness in every mystery it brings to life on screen. Every gorgeous inch of the film is begging to be dissected. Hidden and complex meaning is present in every line of dialogue, flash of lighting, or crazy effect.
I Saw The TV Glow shines brightest when building a story behind a story. The film touches on youth, identity, and loss. It also shows the horror in societal expectations, repression, and denying identity. These topics are deeply woven into the queer experience, with gender being its own genre of horror within the film. What’s inside can truly be just as scary as what’s not, and it is expertly represented within Owen as a character. It isn’t in your face with the subtext and is perfectly devastating on its own merit, but when taking a glimpse behind the screen, the true horror really glows.
A Dreamy Dose of Nostalgia
A24, as a studio, is known for its unique and visually stunning cinematography. I Saw The TV Glow is no exception, combining a surreal atmosphere with a grounded story of self-discovery. The lighting and set pieces transport the viewer to a time and place that sparks strange familiarity.
Neon lights, the crackling of old VHS tapes, and, of course, the dim light of the TV create the perfect mix of nostalgia. Somehow, it avoids feeling dated. It combines these nostalgic moments with something that is obviously modern to create a sense of unease. The lighting specifically is used incredibly, along with practical effects, to portray the horror. It directly contrasts the darkness of the story with visceral bright lighting, stark pinks and purples, creating an air of the unknown.
The acting and direction feel just as genuine and fit right into the blended setting. The two leads, Justice Smith and Jack Haven, are standouts, perfectly encapsulating the fear and melancholy of Owen and Maddy’s journey. Specifically, Jack Haven’s unhinged monologues force the viewer to watch on in strange fascination. The chaos is mesmerizing. With time skips, fourth wall breaks, and even music performances, director Jane Schoenbrun is remarkably successful in delivering their vision. The film creates a uniquely terrifying and captivating horror, one in which it’s impossible to guess what comes next.
Handcrafted Soundtracks Shine
The uniqueness of the film carries directly over into the soundtrack. It was crafted with full creative freedom given to the artists. It culminates in a sound that is eclectic but perfectly fitting to the film and its themes. The effect of pop culture and media blends the film with real life, especially considering the scope of its soundtrack. The music pushes the story ahead, separating key moments with performances and iconic songs.
Artist Alex G. curated the film’s score. The dreamy visuals mix perfectly with the audio, further solidifying the changing time periods and themes present. Whether it be droning ambience, uplifting riffs, or ethereal pop, there is something for everyone to tap their foot to.
Becoming The Pink Opaque
The audience is taken on a vibrant journey to break from the mundanity of everyday life. However, the journey eventually has to end, both for the characters and the viewer. I Saw The TV Glow tells a completely authentic story, combining gorgeous visuals with terrific acting and direction to fully deliver a truly one-of-a-kind experience. It’s an amalgamation of multiple stories, ideas, and techniques that are hypnotic in execution. This experience and its themes may not connect for everyone, but when it does, it glows beautifully.
Stream I Saw The TV Glow on Max, or rent on Apple TV or Prime Video today.
I Saw The TV Glow (2024) Official A24 Trailer
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Author
Elke Simmons' writing portfolio includes contributions to The Laredo Morning Times, Walt Disney World Eyes and Ears, Extinction Rebellion (XR) News/Blog, and Dead Talk News.