isawthetvglow

I Saw the TV Glow Review

Reviewed on February 25th at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival – Panorama. 100 Mins

Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Fred Durst, Danielle Deadwyler

Genre: Drama, Horror

Director: Jane Schoenbrun

In Irish Cinemas: 26th July 2024

 

Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun undeniably crafts intriguing, complex films enveloped in a moody ambience. This is evident in their creepypasta-inspired “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” and the similarly strange “I Saw the TV Glow.” Schoenbrun has created a distinctive world rich in atmospheric detail with this latest film. However, the film fails to deliver a truly satisfying experience, likely by design. “I Saw the TV Glow” is a unique piece designed to evoke childhood memories of becoming lost in fantasy worlds and then being jolted back to reality to confront our fears and challenges. The film features an excellent soundtrack and impressive lighting, capturing the essence of nineties television aesthetics. Despite these strengths, it ultimately left me feeling disenchanted. It is a monotonous journey with occasional captivating moments, but it didn’t prove very pleasant overall.

The sci-fi and horror-themed coming-of-age film begins in the mid-1990s, introducing us to Owen. Initially portrayed by Ian Foreman as a middle schooler and later by Justice Smith as a teenager and adult, Owen forges a bond with the similarly introverted Maddie, played by Brigette Lundy-Paine. Maddie is captivated by a late-night show called “The Pink Opaque,” a supernatural series reminiscent of “Supernatural,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “The X-Files.” This show serves as Maddie’s escape from her troubled reality, which includes dealing with an abusive stepfather. Similarly, Owen uses the show to find solace amid his struggles: a strained relationship with his father and his mother’s battle with cancer.

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Throughout the film, it becomes evident that “The Pink Opaque” transcends the typical late-night entertainment. Its ability to engage viewers and intertwine themes may initially appear reminiscent of geek culture’s passion for franchises like “Star Wars” or Marvel. However, “The Pink Opaque” carves out its own unique identity. Interestingly, the brief VHS snippets of the show within the film hint that “I Saw the TV Glow” might have taken a more mainstream route, complete with a classic villain and a lively, upbeat tempo. Despite this, director Schoenbrun aspires for their movie to be appreciated for its artistic severe value. While this ambition is commendable, it also ponders the potential of what could have been had a different path been taken.

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Instead, “I Saw the TV Glow” features narration by Smith that is so dry and deadpan that it borders on nausea-inducing, marking it as one of the film’s most off-putting performances. The movie unfolds through eerie, nightmarish dream sequences that prioritise atmosphere and “vibes” over substantial content. While the brooding, melancholy soundtrack adds a nice touch, it ultimately serves a narrative that deliberately keeps its supernatural elements at a distance. At one point, the characters might explore themes reminiscent of “Pleasantville,” but this potential is never fully realised. The film teases various plot elements without providing any actual resolution or even a hint of one. Although I appreciate the ambiguity and the narrative boldness of leaving gaps for the audience’s imagination, “I Saw the TV Glow” often feels self-indulgent and incomplete.

Ultimately, the film aims to spark dialogue and foster conversations, precisely what it accomplished. The audience’s reactions as they exited the theatre—expressions of confusion like “What just happened?” along with other remarks—indicated that the film had successfully engaged them, providing a refreshing change from the usual uninspired offerings. Despite “I Saw the TV Glow” failing to resonate with me on a thematic level, I remain optimistic about future projects from Schoenbrun. Perhaps the next one will strike the right chord.

Overall: 5.5/10

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