Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
Jane Schoenbrun’s second feature, I Saw the TV Glow, is a mesmerizing journey through the static spaces between analog pixels. Set against the backdrop of suburban alienation, the film weaves together themes of identity, queerness, and the power of television.
The film opens with young Owen (Ian Foreman), captivated by the teen show The Pink Opaque. Its grotesque monsters and slippery mythology draw him in, hinting at wide-eyed salvation even in the darkest room. As Owen grows older (now portrayed by Justice Smith), he grapples with questions of selfhood. His on-again, off-again friendship with Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine) revolves around their shared love for The Pink Opaque, a show that mirrors their inner angst.
The Pink Opaque becomes a lifeline for Owen. Maddy leaves him VHS recordings of episodes, each title scribbled in pink ink. The telepathically linked heroines (played by Helena Howard and Lindsey Jordan) fight villains dispatched by the malformed moon, Mr. Melancholy. The film’s mood is unapologetically somber, yet it carries a glimmer of hope. Layers of human experience resonate, creating a tapestry of emotions that linger long after the credits roll.
Schoenbrun’s direction infuses every frame with neon lighting and a hip soundtrack. The visuals evoke nostalgia for late-night TV, while the characters grapple with their own vulnerabilities. Smith’s portrayal of Owen is hauntingly raw. His wounded vulnerability and self-sabotaging tendencies make Owen a relatable outcast.
Owen’s fascination with The Pink Opaque mirrors his search for self. The show becomes a mirror, reflecting his unspoken desires and struggles. Mr. Melancholy, the malformed moon, symbolizes Owen’s longing for connection. Whether through Maddy or the show, he seeks a place where he truly belongs.
I Saw the TV Glow is moody, interesting, and yet an essential watch. Schoenbrun’s vision invites us to explore the static glow of our own lives, seeking meaning in the pixels that connect us all.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
