Written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun, I Saw the TV Glow is a coming-of-age story with a somewhat beautifully hypnotic vibe that sets it aside from anything I have seen in recent years. Starting in the early nineties, the movie takes us on a journey through the coming together of two unlikely friends as they discover a shared interest in an eerie nineties-typical TV show called “The Pink Opaque”.
Through this show, which in many ways mirrors Buffy the Vampire Slayer – if, of course, she spent her time away from killing toothy terrors eating wild mushrooms and bathing in LSD -, they form a strange bond where few words are shared. Still, a mutual understanding applies the glue to their weird and wonderful friendship.
The Characters of I Saw the TV Glow
With the two main characters being the epitome of shy and awkward teenagers, it’s easy for those (myself included) who have always felt uncomfortable in the company of others to relate to. These almost tangible feelings of empathy carried throughout the movie as I too found an affinity with the leading roles. While I often find myself liking characters, the shoes of Owen (Justice Smith, Detective Pikachu) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine, Bill & Ted Face the Music) were all too easy to slip into.
Aside from the relatable characters, I Saw the TV Glow does a wonderful job, of setting the tone and ferrying the viewer through a world of intrigue. A clever use of pink and purple hues awash the movie, perfectly encapsulating the nineties vibes while treating our eyes to stunningly contrasting colors that somehow work to create the dark and somber air that hangs over the entire production.
An Artistic Display of Creative Grace
Best described as artistic cinema, I Saw the TV Glow uses peculiar camera angles and this assault of colors to far greater effect than one would think. Schoenbrun’s creative flair is so rightly boasted by the way the movie manages to draw the viewer into its unearthly world. The TV show that the movie revolves around becomes the key to unlocking the not-quite-reachable mystery as they gradually turn the dial up to “11” on the scale of abstract horror. It’s weird, it doesn’t make much sense and still manages to be a shining testament to Scoenbrun’s deft eye and preternatural talents.
While absorbed in the artistry involved in I Saw the TV Glow, it’s easy quite to miss the fact that the story is disjointed and leaves more questions than it answers, and that’s the whole appeal. This isn’t a movie that should be shown in theaters but one that should be displayed in art galleries between bizarre sculptures tenuously depicting giraffe/man hybrids and exhibits involving half-shaved hamsters titled “Life”.
I Saw the TV Glow is Wide Open for Interpretation
The whole point of I Saw the TV Glow is that it’s open for interpretation. While some will walk out of the theater wondering what the hell had just happened to them, there will be others debating the hidden messages and meanings crammed into the 100 hours’ worth of movie. It truly is a one-of-a-kind gem born from the recesses of a creative mind.
Summary
I Saw the TV Glow hits like no other movie you have seen. It hits in a way you wouldn’t expect, but it certainly hits. It’s a vibrant yet somber and moody movie with more interpretations than you could shake a stick at. From the opening scene, right through to the end credits, you will find yourself lost in the madcap pandemonium; as you try to work out what’s happening, where the movie is going to go next, and even where the movie has been. It’s an experience that should be enjoyed with an open mind, and possibly over several viewings.