“I Saw the TV Glow” Review
Justice Smith (Left) and Brigette Lundy-Paine portray obsessed fans who become sucked into their fictitious world in “I Saw the TV Glow”.
As entertaining as many of the films I watch are, very few can transfix me to the point of near hypnosis. The most powerful example I’ve had with this was last year when I watched “Mulholland Drive” at the IFC Center and, when the film was over and I was leaving the theater, I felt as if I was emerging from a trance. Watching “I Saw the TV Glow” was a similar kind of experience. I felt like I was engulfed in a state of cinematic hypnosis, my eyes glued to the screen that was constantly aglow with neon. This latest offering from A24 is a true gem that feels so thrilling, meditative and bizarrely comical all in one sitting.
In the late 90s, socially anxious teenager Owen (Justice Smith) encounters a similarly removed teen named Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) and they bond over a supernatural horror teenage television series called “The Pink Opaque”. With the show dominating their lives and all other responsibilities seeming frivolous by comparison, the reality that these two inhabit begins to spiral out of control.
Written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun, “I Saw the TV Glow” is just teaming with atmosphere and instantly sucks you into this world. What Schoenbrun has accomplished is a story that has well-thought themes of obsession, delusion and isolation. In many circles, fandom is often a uniting force that brings people together from all walks of life. You’ve got your Deadheads, Trekkies, Swifties and all manner of “Star Wars” fanatics that prove this point. But in the case of this film, the idea of fandom as a negative element is explored.
Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine are fantastic in their roles and deliver this bizarre friendship that feels uncomfortably real. Their collective possession of this series and their withdrawal from the world around them becomes a hindrance to them. Smith and Lundy-Paine have excellent awkward chemistry and you feel that they have this strong bond that is tinted with apprehension, as if they are somewhat comfortable around each other while still hanging on to their social isolation.
“I Saw the TV Glow” is an interesting look at being a fan that has been tackled in the past but not like this. Not in a way that feels so pensive while also having such a vivid atmosphere and being imaginative with its thrills. The visual language of this film is remarkable and it takes on the stereotype that A24 films are obsessed with neon lighting and dials it to 11. At one point, a character shoves their head into a television and the use of this image gives the audience such outstanding visual insight into what drives this character. The film’s soundtrack is also quite fantastic with songs by Sloppy Jane, Phoebe Bridgers, Florist and other indie talents along with Alex G’s score.
Jane Schoenbrun’s film feels deeply personal and I think that anyone who has their share of fandom (for sports teams, films, books, music, etc.) can relate to this in a way that will have them questioning why they’re so obsessed in the first place. What drives this? Is my love for this particular thing a positive influence in my life or is it taking something vital away? These questions are conveyed through a marvelous journey that feels like you’re really going to places of discovery. You’re going to do more than see this screen glow, you’re going to see it envelop you and take you into this weird world that the film has created.
“I Saw the TV Glow” is easily one of the best films that I have seen this year. I know that I have a massive proclivity for praising nearly every film A24 releases from up-and-coming filmmakers but can I help it if they have such a great eye for talent and an excellent track record to prove it? Its visuals, characters, themes and environment all come together to make an unforgettable trip to the movies that I am so happy I got to witness in a dark theater.
