“I Saw the TV Glow” is a film by director Jane Schoenbrun, known for their exploration of themes surrounding identity, technology, and the unsettling aspects of human connection.
The film follows two outcast teenagers, played by Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine, who bond over their shared obsession with a mysterious TV show. Their fascination with the program takes a dark turn as the boundaries between reality and the show’s fictional world begin to blur. The story explores themes of isolation, mental health, and the influence of media on vulnerable individuals, creating a sense of dread as the characters spiral into increasingly surreal and unsettling situations.
Schoenbrun leans into an atmospheric, dream-like aesthetic that blends horror and psychological drama. The film features eerie visuals, disjointed timelines, and an experimental approach to sound design. Fans of their earlier work, such as “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair,” will recognize Schoenbrun’s signature style of blending analog nostalgia with contemporary anxieties.
Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine deliver deeply emotional performances, effectively conveying the desperation and disconnection of their characters. The supporting cast includes Helena Howard, Amber Benson, and others, who add depth to the movie’s exploration of media-induced alienation.
The film delves into the role of media as both a mirror and manipulator of human emotion, the fragility of identity in an overstimulated, hyper-connected world and the loneliness of adolescence and the allure of escapism.
“I Saw the TV Glow” is a bold and unnerving exploration of how media shapes our inner lives. While it might not appeal to everyone due to its experimental style, it offers a uniquely unsettling experience for fans of psychological horror and indie cinema.
