I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Teenager Owen (Justice Smith / Ian Foreman) is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen's view of reality begins to crack.
- Actors:
- Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Danielle Deadwyler, Fred Durst, Conner O'Malley, Emma Portner, Madaline Riley, Amber Benson, Albert Birney, Michael C. Maronna, Danny Tamberelli, Timothy Griffin Allan, Tyler Dean Flores, Elizabeth Scopel, Marlyn Bandiero, Haley Dahl, Raina Block
- Directors:
- Jane Schoenbrun
- Producers:
- Ali Herting, Sam Intili, Dave McCary, Emma Stone, Sarah Winshall
- Writers:
- Jane Schoenbrun
- Genres:
- Drama, Horror, Thrillers
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Reviews (1) of I Saw the TV Glow
Defies Categorisation - I Saw the TV Glow review by griggs
I Saw the TV Glow is a film that left me teetering on the edge of indecision. As the credits rolled, I grappled with a simple yet profound question: Was this the best or worst film of the year? Ultimately, I realised that the film’s impact was more complex than a binary judgment could capture. Some films aren’t universally accessible—not due to their themes, but because of the unique methods they use to explore those themes. This film, with its unique methods, is a prime example.
I watched I Saw the TV Glow as the London Trans Pride March passed by the cinema. The energy and sense of community from the march stood in stark contrast to the isolated, introspective experience of the film. This juxtaposition heightened my appreciation for the film’s profound exploration of identity and perception, engaging me even more in the film’s unconventional narrative device.
The concept of a programme within the film that we as an audience aren't privy to was a bold narrative choice. While I enjoyed this exploration, I needed help to stay engaged. The layers of storytelling, while intellectually stimulating, often felt like a barrier rather than a bridge to understanding the characters and their journeys.
Despite this, there’s a particular brilliance in the film’s willingness to challenge its audience. I Saw the TV Glow dares to push boundaries and provoke thought, even if it alienates some viewers. Its daring narrative choices and thought-provoking themes make it a cinematic revelation for those who can embrace its idiosyncrasies. For others, like myself, it’s easier to admire from a distance than to fully embrace.
I Saw the TV Glow may not be a film for everyone, and that’s precisely its strength and weakness. It defies easy categorisation, demanding both attention and patience. Whether it’s the best or worst film of the year is a question I’m still pondering, but perhaps that’s the point. It’s a film meant to linger in the mind and be debated and dissected long after the screen darkens.