By Jack Ransom August 1, 2024
The most recent release from A24. I went into this pretty much entirely blind. Outside of the poster and a smattering of online reactions, I knew nothing about the plot and was purely intrigued by the fact this was an A24 produced flick, but also its seemingly retro-late night aesthetic…and the fact that Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst was on the cast list. I Saw the TV Glow was a beautifully unique gem that certainly wasn’t quite what I expected and clearly was a very personal project to director Jane Schoenbrun.
Synopsis
I Saw the TV Glow sees a classmate introduce teenage Owen (Justice Smith) 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.
Review
Narratively speaking the film is a blend of coming of age high school drama, fractured families, the passing of time and sci-fi inflicted trippiness, dripping in 90’s nostalgia. With an engrossing slow-burn pace, we follow Owen as he somewhat drifts through his childhood and adolescence, struggling to connect with himself and those around him. I mentioned earlier that this project is certainly an important piece of work for Schoenbrun, who is trans/non-binary, and I’m sure the layered character of Owen is a representation of their own self-discovery.
The blending of reality and fantasy is effectively executed here, and the entire aesthetic of the film dabbles with the cheesy throwback nature of the in-universe show The Purple Opaque (with bursts of glorious practical effect work and bursts of disturbing imagery - significantly involving Mr. Melancholy, as Owen’s mind warps what he is seeing). The film is beautifully shot, with a heavily purple and pink neon aesthetic and a thoroughly immersive spacey vibe that I can see translating very well within many late night viewing marathons or putting it on in the twilight hours of the evening. The score is a mixture ambience, trance, electronica and alt-rock and I certainly will be re-listening through it in the future.
Justice Smith’s quiet, distant, anxious yet still engaging Owen is a layered character who, despite his own struggles with his self, is certainly well realised and you quickly fall into his mindset as he relies on escapism to alleviate his home troubles and loneliness. It’s a performance that (within the film) spans decades and slightly distracting make-up/aging work aside, Smith conveys this character journey effectively. Brigette Lundy-Paine’s deadpan, eerie, yet also subtly welcoming and clearly caring of Owen - Maddy is also a fascinating role that sees them bring this otherworldly presence to the role as she falls deeper into The Pink Opaque.
I Saw the TV Glow is a fascinating neon-tinged gem that will certainly strike a chord with those who relate to Schoenbrun’s screenplay and the well realised performances. The aesthetic is beautiful and there is many a creative shot, haunting image and unique soundscape. It does overstay its welcome a tad in the final third, but that doesn’t take away from its emotional impact.
Star Rating
I Saw the TV Glow is out now in select cinemas
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