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I Saw the TV Glow is a psychological thriller created by Jane Schoenbrun, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024. Following a limited theatrical release by A24 starting May 3, 2024, the film was available for online viewing from May 17.
The story follows Owen, a troubled teenager who finds comfort in a fictional fantasy show called The Pink Opaque. His life gets even harder when his close friend Maddy suddenly goes missing, leaving only a burning TV in her backyard.
When The Pink Opaque is suddenly ended, Owen’s connection to the series begins to blur the lines between the show’s story and his reality. This mix of his life with the series' supernatural parts shows his inner problems and reveals a complicated web of emotions and fears.
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As Owen navigates his identity during the turbulent years of adolescence, the film delves into the difficulties he encounters in accepting who he truly is. Throughout the story, viewers see Owen slowly slipping into a surreal world, where scenes from The Pink Opaque start to blend with his daily life.
The once-comforting memories of the show now serve as eerie reminders of what he has lost and the identity he struggles to accept. I Saw the TV Glow illustrates Owen's internal struggle, highlighting his battle against societal pressures and personal fears that stand in the way of his journey to self-discovery.
I Saw the TV Glow: Blurring the lines between reality and fiction
The film’s impressive visuals and sound design play a crucial role in making the audience feel like they are part of Owen’s experience. With carefully timed shots that create a sense of unease, I Saw the TV Glow draws viewers with its bright colors and disturbing images.
The neon look and dream-like scenes show Owen's emotional struggles, making the audience connect more with his mind. Every scene is designed to bring back memories, but the eerie feeling reminds viewers of the fear that follows Owen on his journey.
Along with the visuals, the film features a thoughtfully chosen soundtrack that deepens its emotional impact. Yeule’s glitch pop version of Broken Social Scene’s Anthems for a Seventeen-Year-Old Girl serves as a moving anthem for Owen, capturing the spirit of youth and yearning.
The sound design uses eerie echoes and atmospheric sounds to increase the tension and emphasize the themes of fear and acceptance that run throughout the story.
I Saw the TV Glow: The journey of self-discovery
As Owen's journey in I Saw the TV Glow continues, the movie explores the themes of identity and self-acceptance. His life changes after he decides to face his fears and overcome the social stigmas made by society. As soon as he discovers his true self, the movie depicts it with a glowing television inside him, which stands for him accepting his trans identity.
As the film reaches its climax, Maddy returns, giving Owen a chance to regain his true self. She encourages him to accept who he is, telling him that living in denial is like slowly dying. Their heartfelt conversation highlights the main idea of the film: that although the path to self-acceptance can be difficult, it is definitely worth taking.
Fans of psychological thriller dramas can watch I Saw the TV Glow on Prime Video and Apple TV.
