A24's "I Saw the TV Glow" isn't your typical suburban nightmare. Sure, there's Owen, our teenage protagonist, grappling with the usual anxieties of adolescence. But when a mysterious late-night show called "The Pink Opaque" flickers to life on his screen, the ordinary bleeds into the unsettling. Director Jane Schoenbrun crafts a world that shimmers with a neon glow, a captivating fever dream that both terrifies and enthrals.
The film unfolds like a half-remembered VHS tape, a distorted reflection of reality warped by retro flickering images. Schoenbrun masterfully utilizes fragmented narratives and disorienting camerawork, plunging us headfirst into Owen's unravelling world. The mystery at the film's core is a captivating puzzle, each scene a cryptic piece begging to be assembled. Yet, the true brilliance lies not just in the "what" but the "how" – how the film evokes a sense of unease that transcends the narrative itself.
"I Saw the TV Glow" is a film that burrows under your skin. It's a meditation on identity, an exploration of feeling like a stranger in your own life. Schoenbrun taps into the universal fear of alienation, the yearning to belong in a world that often feels suffocatingly small. This exploration also feels deeply personal, hinting at the anxieties and uncertainties surrounding transitioning. Jane's refusal to let the film be confined by a single interpretation allows for a more accessible and multidimensional experience that accepts every-body, and the fragmented narrative allows viewers to project their own experiences, their anxieties, onto the screen.
Nostalgia becomes a double-edged sword in Schoenbrun's world. "The Pink Opaque" itself feels like a relic from a bygone era, a lo-fi homage to shows of our youth. Yet, the film cleverly critiques our tendency to romanticize the past, a yearning that can obscure the complexities of the present and muddle our future-s.
"I Saw the TV Glow" completely surpassed my expectations and rocketed straight into my favourite film scores, cinematography, and – wait for it – PG-13 horror experiences ever. If more filmmakers like Jane Schoenbrun are out there crafting original horror within the PG-13 boundaries, then sign me up! This film pushed those boundaries as far as they possibly could, and then some. Proving, films of this ilk can be scary, and much more, if in the hands of a capable director.
Justice Smith delivers a career-defining performance as Owen in "I Saw the TV Glow." His portrayal is a masterclass in subtlety. Owen is a quiet soul, a melancholic figure adrift in a world where he never seems to quite fit in. Smith expertly captures Owen's introversion, utilizing a deadpan delivery and a touch of awkwardness that perfectly reflects the character's social anxieties. His sole confidante is Maddie, except for his perhaps unhealthy obsession with "The Pink Opaque." The film's use of fourth-wall breaks becomes even more impactful with Smith at the helm. His delivery, both in dialogue and expression, is utterly captivating, laying Owen's vulnerabilities bare. We see a young man desperately searching for his identity, clinging to the one thing that offers a semblance of belonging. Smith's performance makes Owen's lostness palpable, a quiet desperation that resonates deeply with the audience.
Alex G's score knocked me out. It's this dreamy, ambient masterpiece that blends strings, piano, and synths into these incredible, almost out-of-body rhythms. And Eric Yue's cinematography? Hot damn. The square aspect ratios and retro VHS aesthetic feel like watching a neon-drenched film on a pristine VHS tape – new and vintage all at once. Every frame is stunning, with the use of pinks and purples adding another layer of beauty: subtly hinting at the film's exploration of gender.
"I Saw the TV Glow" is a hypnotic film that lingers long after the credits roll. It's a challenging and thought-provoking experience, a mosaic that demands multiple viewings to fully appreciate. It doesn't spoon-feed answers but rather invites introspection and discussion. Ultimately, despite its heavy themes, the horrors of our modern world, and the deeply saddening questions of identity, I believe it's a plea for connection, a reminder that even in the face of the strangest realities, understanding and acceptance can exist.
9.5/10
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