I Saw the TV Glow (2024) User Reviews

A brilliantly weird movie for the young weirdos who found solace in weird media

[Stay_away_from_the_Metropol · 8/10 · 14 May 2024]

A deeply sad, heartfelt, surrealist film that is very likely to be the most unique American film released in 2024, and even more likely to be misunderstood by at least 75% of its viewers. On the surface, it's one of the most locked-in mid-90's nostalgia pieces I've ingested, but beneath that it's one of the most complex coming-of-age films I can think of.

To me, the movie was an expression of the kids who grew up in dysfunctional families in the 90's (the TV generation), those who were drawn to dark media due to that (which was extremely prevalent in the late 80's up through the mid 90's), and in turn, those who ended up with a far deeper connection with those dark fantasy worlds than they had with most other humans, and reality as a whole. When it's time to grow up, things get rough...I can relate, because I was 100% one of those kids during that exact era, so this one hit a lot of buttons that made a lot of sense for me.

There are some impressively unique horror/monster effects in this film, that are equal parts comical and terrifying, simultaneously, which feels like yet another element that is heavily loyal to the era it is inspired by. This, along with many other elements, allow this movie to differentiate itself pretty boldly from everything else coming out right now. Common horror fans will likely just be confused by this film, which tends to be the case with most psychological horror films that actually offer anything with emotional purpose, but it offers plenty of cerebral scares and lots of melancholic gloom.

Leads Brigette Lundy-Paine and Justice Smith do an immense job of keeping things deathly serious and dreamlike, Smith almost feeling like he fittingly "can't handle being human" a lot of the time. There are several sequences where their performances bring the movie to a full Lynchian realm - of course this is also due to visionary director Jane Schoenbrun's skilled directing. Speaking of that, I just realized that the segment that feels most like a nod to Lynch in a multitude of ways is the one that features bands performing live at a strange club, much like the Road House in the last season of Twin Peaks. Kris Esfandiari of King Woman makes an especially strong appearance here. It certainly doesn't hurt that they put together a very tasteful soundtrack that feels very reminiscent of the classic movie soundtracks of the 90's. It's fitting that the movie and soundtrack begin with a Broken Social Scene cover, because the whole album kind of feels like a full Broken Social Scene album, with similar dynamics and vibes throughout.

While it's truly hard to compare this to anything, it feels HIGHLY inspired by ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK?, the Canadian kids horror program broadcast in the 90's on Nickelodeon, more than anything, while it's themes remind me only of a couple other movies, Pixar's INSIDE OUT, and the very wild SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK. While I cried my eyes out at that Pixar movie, this one is too committed to its surrealism and gloom to induce actual tears, but the overall melancholy remains very heavy and very real throughout.

This is a movie about the weirdos who found solace in media for weirdos. Brilliantly, the movie itself is weird (and sincere) enough to be that exact sort of weird type of media that the new young weirdos may find the same kind of solace in when they watch this as a teenager in reality now. I think that might be the whole point. If it wasn't, then it's awfully masterful accident. That's 2 strikingly unique and effective psychological horror films by Jane Schoenbrun now, 2 for 2...I officially deem thee a visionary force to be reckoned with.

Mesmerizingly weird and oddly provocative

[PotassiumMan · 7/10 · 11 May 2024]

A sullen teenager discovers an entrancing television show that speaks to him in ways he's never envisioned when he meets and develops an eccentric friendship with an older girl in his school. While this film turns out to be something a bit more than an archetypal coming-of-age fare, it's quite comfortable staying in that genre most of the time. It never really scratches the surface of horror, despite suggesting the vibe at times. You might not know what to make of this when all it's said and done and I readily confess that I still do not. In the end you either run with the film's committed strangeness or you don't. If you're expecting a straightforward conclusion, this most likely is not for you.

Philosophically, this film is right up my alley, notwithstanding my reservations about the protagonist, who at times seems pitiable. The theme of holding onto adolescent fixations through the years even as they become antiquated and caricature-like is something that strikes near and dear to me. How well it's conveyed here is a matter of debate. The film's whimsical vibe sometimes queers the pitch of this rich concept that's at work. But in the end, it's a good quirky indie that never tries to be something it's not. For those who understand this notion, this film is happily recommended.

If You Have Childhood Trauma, It Might Be Triggering...

[jericha-27402 · 7/10 · 18 May 2024]

I won't lie. Some of the execution is messy. There are some questionable cast choices made and sometimes they stick out really bad. However, the final product still leaves an impact.

To be clear, there aren't any explicit depictions of abuse. Yet the film's undertones are depressing and bleak. If you grew up in a dysfunctional household as kid in the 90s or 2000s, this film will hit you hard (I agree with one of the previous reviewers).

At first, you're going to be like... WTF. And then when the film is over, you're going to be thinking about your childhood and stuff.

And if you feel like an underachiever in life, be prepared to cry some more...

I feel like the people who don't get it weren't the weirdos growing up. Everything isn't for everybody but don't give a movie a one star review because you didn't understand it.

A surreal coming of age tale that lingers days after watching

[yoshimasu_k · 10/10 · 8 May 2024]

We aren't even halfway through the year yet, but I can't imagine another 2024 movie topping "I Saw the TV Glow" for me. It's a surreal coming of age tale - definitely NOT straight-forward, in-your-face horror - that will likely be a "love it" or "hate it" due to writer-director Jane Schoenbrun's bold and distinct vision. It's obviously a "love it" for me, as I found the film moving and near-perfect on every level.

If anyone's feeling hesitant because of Schoenbrun's micro-budgeted directorial debut, "We're All Going to the World's Fair," "TV Glow" is completely different stylistically and in its scope. I appreciated "World's Fair" as a directorial debut and thought it had strong moments, but it ultimately fell short for me. HOWEVER, watching it did make me excited to see what Schoenbrun would do for their next film!

While "World's Fair" felt mostly grounded in reality (or maybe a somewhat augmented reality due to the character's downward descent into their online world), the uncanny and hypnotic are more present in "TV Glow." As I mentioned, this isn't a straight-forward, in-your-face horror movie - it dabbles more in the Lynchian approach of slow-burn nightmares that leave you unsure of what exactly you just witnessed. The focus, though, is mostly on our protagonists and their individual and shared journeys of loneliness, dysmorphia, and the horrors that spawn from such damaging states of mind.

Also, I can confirm (without spoilers) that this is NOT based on that one creepypasta about the mysterious children's TV show, "Candle Cove"! The movie does center on a TV show for young people, but the type of show it is and its role in the characters' lives are much different. While that creepypasta has a great and terrifying twist, this movie's characters' relationship with "The Pink Opaque" is one of obsession, nostalgia, and realization.

Lastly, "TV Glow" will likely PISS OFF viewers that cry "WOKE" at every instance of diversity or inclusion - and that is ALWAYS a PLUS in my book! What they're really complaining about is the fact that different people and communities are having more and more movies about them. I know, this review kind of went off track... the only thing left to say is: They'll be fine with "The Beekeeper", "Argylle", "Fall Guy", "Boy Kills World", and a slew of other Hollywood movies representing them in 2024 and beyond. Meanwhile, unique and necessary voices like Schoenbrun's can simultaneously exist and we're all better for it.

100%teen drama, kind of absurdist comedy horror

[dgloos6660 · 7/10 · 19 May 2024]

I thought about half of this movie was very bland. Technically well shot scenes, good music, but the characters were very closed off and emotionally disconnected from each other and the viewer. Casting was a bit odd for the characters' ages. Functionally the first half felt like 45 minutes of 2 autistic friends bonding over The Pink Opaque (aka a show like H20, Goosebumps, Buffy etc) and then it takes a dark turn. The last third of the movie is awkwardness turned creepy. Almost schizophrenic dissociation mixed with gender dysphoria. Plus Connor O'Malley as a movie theater employee? But still only barely horror, like the analog/youtube horror genre where creepiness = vhs effects and a gross face. It feels like the movie saying "this is scary!" and me thinking "Wow this is just really awkward!"

I felt that the first half could have done better at establishing the characters. The only thing I understand about Owen and Maddy is that they each have an abusive parent and they like The Pink Opaque. I also think that Maddy would make the more interesting lead character, rather than Owen. Simply because Maddy experiences a journey of change and absurdity. Owen's character doesn't change on the surface, only internally, and that's hard to keep track of through the movie as it is. It was also hard to care about Owen's mom, with how little he seemed to care about her.

Stylistically its very fun. 4th wall breaking and cool framing. Way too much neon lighting though, and the 4th wall breaking never amounted to much that was interesting, because it happened during flat, monotone monologues, where the characters dryly summarize changes in the plot and look directly imto the camera. This is practically the main method of delivering plot, and it kind of sucks. I found myself laughing hysterically in the theater, because the dry monologues are so awkward and dire. Some of the lines are absolutely insane and my only reaction was to just laugh.

"I was working at the ball pit.. restocking the balls." "Mr. Melancholy took me and fed me his luna juice. And I went back there and found both of our hearts, still beating." "I paid a boy $50 to bury me alive. I got a casket, in a grave, and got in."

I'm misquoting it surely, because I just saw the movie. But this kind of dire, awkward surreal stuff would have been so nice to have at the start of the movie. It's just so plain until the trippy stuff starts, and fills a very basic teen movie drama for 2/3rds of its run-time.

7/10 for making me laugh maniacally in a quiet theater, your rating may vary wildly based on how patient you are with A24's trademark melancholy teen drama style.

Really unique!

[fkimivettel · 8/10 · 9 May 2024]

"I Saw the TV Glow" isn't your typical popcorn flick. It's more like digging through a box of old VHS tapes in your attic.

The film is beautifully shot, even with that whole lo-fi aesthetic. There's a real sense of nostalgia for that pre-internet era, where your imagination had to fill in the blanks. The acting is strong too, especially from the two leads. They capture that awkwardness and confusion of being a teenager perfectly.

Now, here's the thing: "I Saw the TV Glow" isn't for everyone. It's slow-burning, and some folks might find it boring. It's also pretty ambiguous, so don't expect everything to be spelled out for you. But if you're looking for something different, something that will stay with you long after the credits roll, then give this a shot.

I Saw the TV Glow is a unique and creative cinematic gem that is an absolute must-see

[kevin_robbins · 8/10 · 17 May 2024]

I watched I Saw the TV Glow (2024) in theaters last night. The storyline follows two high school outsiders who begin watching a mysterious TV show that's darker than it gets credit for. The friends become hooked and do their best to connect through the show until the female friend mysteriously disappears. Eight years later, she returns with stories of being in the show. Is she telling the truth, and does her friend want to follow her journey back into the show?

This film is written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun (We're All Going to the World's Fair) and stars Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Brigette Lundy-Paine (Bill & Ted: Face the Music), Ian Foreman (Let the Right One In), and Helena Howard (The Wilds).

I Saw the TV Glow is brilliantly shot and visually stunning. It is a well-written, thought-provoking character piece with horror elements. The universe and circumstances are vividly captured with fantastic cinematography, creative use of colors, and unique scenarios that draw you into the film's universe. The film's clean, crisp aesthetic reminded me of "Stranger Things" in many ways. Justice Smith delivers a phenomenal performance, and the storyline is both creative and unique, supported by elite special effects. There's an ice cream and ice cream truck segment that is cinematic gold. Mr. Melancholy is a phenomenal character, and his "man in the moon" shots cracked me up. The father's discovery at the television was also incredible. The evolution of the characters and circumstances keeps you on edge until the final scene, leaving you feeling empty inside but impressed by the artistry of the film.

In conclusion, I Saw the TV Glow is a unique and creative cinematic gem that is an absolute must-see. I would score it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.

Bizarre Piece of "Art"

[llboll · 3/10 · 17 May 2024]

I'm not really sure what to make of this film or why it seems to have captivated so many critics. It's bizarre without being particularly interesting.

The film starts well, along the path of teenagers' alienation, grief, and loneliness and the cast is outstanding. But somewhere along that path, the whole thing careens right into the ditch and seems to run out of ideas.

And it has the classic flaw of many an interesting set of ideas: how to wrap the whole thing up. I found the resolution, if one can call it that, to be a failure. Others may disagree.

That said, I commend Cinemark for giving this film a screen for a few days. Not every "art" film is so lucky.

Tearjerking period piece about coming out (or not) as gender-nonconforming

[LikeallHungarians · 8/10 · 19 May 2024]

I feel I have to write an apologia for my rating, because this is actually an 8.5 film for me.

This is destined to become a cult classic. It's been written about plenty before how this captures a time before the internet accelerated fandom and yet while there was remarkable TV (escapism) being produced. Jane Schoenbrun's genius--besides a couple excellent transitions--is that she achieves art by producing questions, not answers.

The principal actors (including the boy who depicts the main character as a pre-teen) have to be commended, as it's got to be exceedingly difficult to act autism, or more to the point to depict a character who's emotionally distanced themself from reality due to the mental torture of being unable to express their authentic self. There are plenty of shining moments, and Brigette Lundy-Paine in particular achieves an enigmatic performance that will be worth returning to for cinephiles for the rest of time. But there are moments when even Brigette overacts (especially early on), and the other actors aren't always able to succeed in portraying awkward surfaces with resonant emotional sublimation.

The cinematography is quite good, although it doesn't rise to the greatest-of-all-time that would deserve a 10/10.

What the movie could really have done without is the voiceovers/direct addresses. Maybe that postmodern extravagance is supposed to be reminiscent of the '90s shows which are being evoked--although that seemed to be done more in kids' shows--but it doesn't add meaning to the film's narrative.

A Pretentious Cinematic Train Wreck

[brentsbulletinboard · 2/10 · 11 May 2024]

After watching this piece of incoherent, unfocused rubbish, I would have much rather watched the TV glow instead. Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun's incomprehensible smart horror offering is an absolute utter waste of time, not to mention the ticket price. This story of two psychologically and emotionally troubled teens, Owen (Ian Forema) and Maddy (Brigitte Lundy-Paine), who bond over a cheesy late night 1990s young adult sci-fi/horror television series called The Pink Opaque struggles mightily to find its way. As Owen grows into an adult (Justice Smith), his cohort vanishes mysteriously when the TV series is abruptly cancelled, leaving him wondering what happened to her until she just as mysteriously reappears years later with a disjointed story that makes no sense from top to bottom. As the film's narrator, Owen tries earnestly to explain, but his recounting of this experience is equally baffling, especially when he tells why Maddy has come back after her protracted absence. The result is an unintelligible tale that's far from frightening (even metaphorically speaking) and ends up being a convoluted mix of 1990s teen angst, extended and inexplicably incorporated music videos, an exploration of sexual ambiguity, and a woefully wayward attempt at symbolically addressing issues related to personal disassociation and self-actualization. There are also numerous story elements and images that are included in the narrative that go undeveloped and unexplored. To its credit, the picture features a fine production design, intriguing cinematography, a good measure of campy comic relief (though not nearly enough of it) and a skillfully assembled soundtrack (handily this release's best attribute). However, when a film's musical guests receive greater billing than its cast members and the soundtrack ends up being its strongest asset, that doesn't speak well about the production's overall quality. To be honest, I get genuinely annoyed (and feel egregiously ripped off) when I leave the theater having screened a picture whose trailer and marketing seem to offer so much promise and end up failing miserably when it comes to delivering the goods, and that's very much the case with this pretentious, sophomoric cinematic train wreck. Don't waste your time or money on this one.

The most original and distinct movie of the year

[lucas_springer · 10/10 · 18 May 2024]

How does one describe this movie? You could insert lines from the plot description or summarize your interpretation of the plot into words but it will not encapsulate what makes this film so special. It is a unique vision that reels you in with the tone and ambiance and punches you in the gut 3/4s of the way through with terrifying visuals and stakes that only make sense to someone who was obsessed with a tv that was canceled before its conclusion.

This is a move that people will hate because a lot of them need information spoon fed but everything here is earned yet also up for interpretation.

The Weirdness and Solace of Media Consumption and Youth

[chenp-54708 · 10/10 · 19 May 2024]

This is a bizarre, yet, surreal, heartfelt, and sad coming-of-age tale about media consumption, gender conformity, connections, and identities. While I thought "We're All Going to the World's Fair" was fine, I'm happy to see Jane Schoenbrun being able to shine with an very weird, yet, impressive work of a movie with some great narrative concepts, interesting characters, and colorful atmospheres throughout.

It's exploration within the characters are genuine which are provided with great performances from the cast members alongside with a good score, camerawork, dialogue, and style presentations. The feeling of loneliness, solace, and the society surrounding the characters felt genuine. Many of the dialogue points might be considered awkward or dull but it's setting and atmosphere helps to blend it's realism with surrealist natures. Obviously, this isn't the traditional horror movie and more of a dark depressing coming-of-age tale.

Undeniably, Schoenbrun has potential to become a masterful filmmaker in the near future.

Ambiguous, pretentious, and overall dull.

[Dougie B · 2/10 · 9 May 2024]

I really couldn't tell you the plot of this movie. I could tell you what happened, but I couldn't give you all of the reasons why any of it did. I honestly felt like I was watching an experimental project from a first year art school student who wouldn't even be able to explain the meaning of what we saw if asked.

Even if this movie was comprehensible, there so many odd things about it from a production standpoint. For example, the audio on the TV show the main characters watch is terrible, to the point of almost being inaudible. Old TV didn't sound THAT bad. The casting between young Owen and adult Owen (Justice Smith) is just jarring since they look nothing like each other, and they play each other only 2 years apart.

MINOR SPOILERS - I had to read an interview with the writer/director just to know that the movie is supposed to be an allegory for gender transitioning, and I never picked up on that, at all. One character was gay, and their struggles were portrayed, while the other came across as asexual, and very little of that was ever explored. Was their "sexuality" their love for this TV show? I couldn't tell you because the movie tells you nothing.

A Very Misleading Trailer...

[pjylover · 5/10 · 10 May 2024]

If one has only seen the trailer for this art house film then they would think it's a horror movie about memory and tv, and perception of reality and looks like it'll lead into the Lovecraftian horror, but alas it did not.

It's hard to say exactly what the film wants to be. I know the writer and director Jane Schoenbrun has stated that it's about transitioning from one gender to another and it sort of feels like that, but it also feels like parents and abuse, and about sexuality. My point is that the message is messy. The trailer does not help.

The trailer plays it out that it's gonna be this Kubrickesque horror film that is slow and scary. The film is slow but it is also frustrating because it takes each character so much dialogue to get to the point. Justice Smith did a great job with what he had and I can see he can lead a movie.

Would I recommend it? I don't know, probably not. It's neither scary or bizarre enough. Sure there are some weird moments but I've seen films that are far far weirder.

5/10.

I wish I could give this less than a star

[obviousdistraction-1 · 1/10 · 17 May 2024]

This movie was just awful. I don't know how it got high marks and a higher rotten tomato score. It was just terrible. The dialogue was super forced, the characters were not likable in any way, It was confusing, it was all over the place, and it was unnecessarily loud in multiple spots in the movie. Half the people in our theater left midway through the movie because it was just that bad. We stuck it out until the end hoping that it would get more interesting, but it did not. It was just extremely convoluted.

My son and I were not happy that we wasted two hours of our lives on this film and would not recommend it to anyone who is not completely stoned.

After 30 minutes, I was wondering what the point of the movie was

[whheee · 2/10 · 13 May 2024]

Sometimes you're sitting in the theater and you think to yourself, "this movie is not for me."

That was not my initial reaction to the new film I Saw The TV Glow, but after 30 minutes in, with no idea what the point of the film was, that thought not only crossed my mind but solidly took hold.

It's an A24 release, which, based on past experiences, usually means I'll be in for a treat. Well, the best thing I can say about it is that I'm glad there are still production companies taking a chance on independent films. This film has an intriguing trailer. But the trailer does what a trailer is supposed to do - entice you to see the movie. Kudos to the trailer production company.

After sitting through the thankfully short film, it's only 90 minutes, and talking with other reviewers outside, I still can't tell you what the point of the film was. I expected creepy. Didn't happen. I expected sci-fi. Didn't happen.

In all honesty, what I feel I watched was an uninteresting 90-minute peek into the mind of a conspiracy theorist with ADHD, who convinced herself that the television show she was addicted to was real. What was happening to the characters was really taking place on some other plane of existence that only they could see. Ok, to me, that's what I imagine watching 90 minutes of Fox's 'The Five' panel is like. Completely removed from any semblance of reality, which circles back to my conspiracy theorist theory. But I digress.

In a nutshell, a young, very shy boy named Owen (Ian Foreman), who is pretty much friendless and never looks directly at people when he's talking to them, loses his mother. He's the kind of kid who is never noticed in school. His mother seems to be the only person he speaks to. I don't recall an actual conversation he has with his dad.

And then he meets Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), who is older and much, much hipper than he could ever hope to be. They bond over a sci-fi teen TV show called The Pink Opaque. The characters have tattooed irridescent pink ghosts on the backs of their necks, which somehow allows them to commune with beings from another world, including a man with a dripping ice cream cone for a head.

One of the first shots we see of that show is of what looks like a moon with a face that is scowling... so reminiscent of the 1902 sci-fi silent classic, "A Trip To The Moon", that everyone in the theater started laughing. I don't think that's what the Director was going for, but I could be wrong. I believe they were going for more of a Smashing Pumpkins set, with all the feels of Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness being projected by every cast member. That album was released in 1995, so it definitely fits the timeline of the film. But again, I'm definitely not the target audience.

When the film opens, we hear the line "It can't hurt you if you don't think about them." The school they're attending in 1996 is VOID HS. Yes. Literally VHS is on the school banners. With those two pieces of threads right off the bat I thought, hmmm, a little foreshadowing, ok, great!

Sigh.

It had potential. Sort of like a reverse Poltergeist or The Ring, except people get sucked INTO the tv set. Maybe with a touch of Lisey's Story, by horrormaster Stephen King.

But no.

What did surprise me was that a teen in 1996 was completely comfortable talking to her friend about being queer. Maddy makes it extremely clear to Owen that she feels she doesn't belong in the small suburban town, and that she must find her way out, at any cost. To find herself. The journey she takes is the second act of the film, leaving Owen behind to find his own way.

So is this film meant to be less of a sci-fi creepout and more of a metaphor for finding out who you really are and following that path, wherever it may lead? Possibly. But I had to read through the production notes to gain that understanding.

In the production notes, Writer/Director Jane Schoenbrun discusses her really dark obsession with all the shows that ran on Nickelodeon, such as Are You Afraid Of The Dark, YCDTOTV and Salute Your Shorts. Most of which were comedies, and not remotely creepy. Even Nick's gak and slime play imporant roles in Glow, but I'm not going to tell you how, because maybe the film is for you, and I don't want to spoil the surprise. As the saying goes, you pays your money and you takes your chances. Maybe Glow is the kind of film that you should read the production notes before walking in the door. But, to me, that means the film doesn't really hang together.

An Awkward Coming-of-Age Thriller That Misses the Mark

[darkreignn · 2/10 · 18 May 2024]

If I hear the words "The Pink Opaque" one more time in my life, I might lose my mind. "I Saw the TV Glow" could have been a thrilling dive into retro TV nostalgia, but instead, it felt like a relentless, never-ending chant of the words "The Pink Opaque" - a phrase that now haunts my nightmares. (On a side note, if you're looking for a fun drinking game, take a shot every time you hear "The Pink Opaque." I guarantee you'll be hammered in five minutes and calling an ambulance before the halfway mark).

How to explain "I Saw the TV Glow?" To be honest, it's tough. The IMDb synopsis is: "Two teenagers bond over their love of a supernatural TV show, but it is mysteriously cancelled." And while that's accurate, it's also vague and unspecific. Starring Justice Smith (who has never really impressed me) as Owen, and Brigette Lundy-Paine (who likewise did not impress me in the film) as Maddy, "I Saw the TV Glow" follows their relationship as Owen - clearly - has a big crush on Maddy, who is a self-proclaimed lesbian. How does Owen try to win Maddy's affection? Simple: by bonding over their shared interest in a TV show called "The Pink Opaque." And what begins as a series of sort of cute, slightly awkward interactions between Maddy and Owen soon devolves into painfully awkward and super cringey sequences where all they do is talk about "The Pink Opaque."

I cannot overemphasize this: this film mostly consists of people talking about "The Pink Opaque" (and for the good of my mental health, I need to stop tying those three words out). Maddy and Owen are seemingly obsessed with the show, and are constantly watching it, thinking about it, or talking about it, to the point where the movie becomes embarrassing to watch. I was writhing in discomfort while watching Maddy and Owen spend every waking moment speaking about this fictional show; and because of this, watching "I Saw the TV Glow" feels like listening to someone passionately ramble about a topic that you couldn't care less about. And sure, listening to conversations about the show might have been interesting if the movie spends any time setting up why you should care about the show, or the film's characters, but it really doesn't - the film immediately rushes headfirst into endless dialogue about the show with little context or buildup; there's no effort to explain exactly why the show is so compelling or why the characters are so invested in it - we're just expected to dive right in and keep up, which makes it hard to feel any investment or connection.

And speaking of embarrassing, the film makes some creative decisions that are, quite frankly, baffling. For example, the film starts with Owen as a seventh grader, played by Ian Foreman, who looks appropriately young as a 12-year-old actor. Then the film jumps forward two years, depicting Owen as a 14-year-old ninth grader. And who plays ninth grade Owen? Justice Smith, who is a 28-year-old man. It was unintentionally hilarious to watch Justice play someone in the ninth grade; there's a scene where Justice as Owen asks his parents if he can stay up past his bedtime, and it was just so ridiculous that I almost considered getting up and walking out then and there. At one point the film jumps forward another eight years, and Owen is still played by Justice Smith, who looks exactly the same as he did when he was playing a 14-year-old. So, the question becomes, why didn't they cast someone else to play ninth grade Owen, or better yet, stick with Ian Foreman? Your guess is as good as mine.

Advertised as a horror film, "I Saw the TV Glow" does have its fair share of eerie sequences, mostly toward the end of the film. Are they worth sitting through 80 minutes of people talking about a certain television show to get to? Definitely not, especially as the film makes another baffling choice to end right when it finally feels like it's starting to get going. The ending is so abrupt, so anticlimactic, that the trailer actually shows the last shot of the film - just let that sink in. I'm not even spoiling anything, because the trailer already spoiled it for you! A terrible decision, for an equally terrible film.

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit when I call the film "terrible," but it is certainly not good. At one point, about midway through the movie, I thought to myself, "Okay, now things are getting interesting." And then, like clockwork, the movie just made another creative choice that evaporated any goodwill I was starting to have. From the endless monologues about "The Pink Opaque" to two random musical performances that are inserted in the middle of the movie that do nothing except take up valuable running time - and so much more - "I Saw the TV Glow" is an underwhelming coming of age thriller that doesn't thrill, and barely allows its characters to come of age. The narrative stumbles through awkward scenes and questionable creative decisions, leaving viewers with more questions than emotional engagement. And in the end, the film feels like a missed opportunity, failing to deliver on all of its promises.

"I think I like tv shows"

[AfricanBro · 3/10 · 17 May 2024]

I wasn't really hyped about this but saw people talking about it and getting excited. I liked that the kid from 'let the right one in' series is in here. The movie's visually striking, with vibrant neon colors, a hallmark of A24 I think. However, I didn't find it particularly captivating; it seems like something you need a prior interest in to engage with early on. The plot revolves around two outcast kids with an unusual interest, and while the visuals were compelling, the story itself didn't hold my attention. It has a creepy ambience to it. I liked when they met up later, things get more interesting from there. But ultimately though, it felt like an artsy project without enough substance. The movie dragged, and the characters didn't have much to them and lacked a compelling storyline. Although it became more interesting in the final third and is undeniably unique, it just wasn't memorable for me. The movie felt like it had more to offer visually than anything else. I'm sure some will like it but to me Justice Smith's taken two L's this year; it was better than "The American Society of Magical Negroes" though.

I Saw the TV Glow...Unfortunately.

[RussHog · 4/10 · 18 May 2024]

This is a film about a lonely kid from a broken family who makes friends a lonely girl from a broken family and they watch a TV show about two girls who fight a monster of the weak - ala Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

One day, the girl wants to leave town because her family is abusive and she asks him to go with her and he refuses. So, she disappears...and all that is left is her broken TV in the backyard. The boy grows up and his family situation gets worse and he lives a pretty sad life with a miserable job.

Then, one day many years later, the girl comes back and tells him the TV show is real and she escaped into the TV show where she has battled the main antagonist. More than that, we learn the final episode of their favorite show had a terrible cliffhanger where the villain wins, and now, if he joins her inside the TV show they can save the day. Also, apparently our male hero IS the young woman from the show - and his entire existence is HER MIND trapped in the final episode.

Also, we see he had a repressed memory where he was almost pulled into the TV show after the final episode aired, but his abusive step father "saved" him.

Now, he has an opportunity to do something with life and set the world right. Problem is, much like when he was a kid...he refuses to go with her. She vanishes. This time for good.

So, he lives a miserable lonely life where he questions his existence. In the end, he rewatches the show and learns that it was nowhere near as good as he remembers it, but by now he is middle aged and he still works a miserable job in a fun house where third generation of kids plays with toys and games based on the TV show he grew up with...and in a moment of emotion he cuts himself open and we see that inside of him the old show he loves. He is left to wander the fun house apologizing to everyone for his emotional outburst - but nobody cares of even listens.

So...I took this film as an allegory about a failure to connect as humans and the tragedy of not being open and intimate.. but at the same time I saw that the film also could have been taken literally where he truly turns down an adventure of a lifetime and will now spend his life living with regret.

Both of those interpretations I guess are ok - but sort of a bummer. Then, I read that this film had something to do with the filmmakers non-binary identity and that the TV show represented being open about your trans identity - to which I have to say...if that is the case...it's a pretty poor allegory and could have been done in a way that was less...emo.

Anyone can point a camera at a rock and say, "This is about my trans identity." So...I hope the filmmaker was not being to crass as to do all of this drama just to say that the TV show represented being open about being tans, because that just makes no sense.

Anyhow, this was a somewhat effective film and held my interest and kept me guessing. But in the end, I was really more bummed than anything else and I think the film could have, and should have, had the kid at least attempt to go into the world of the TV because that would have given us some moments of satisfactory suspense near the final act, and instead nothing happens and the film is neither a heroic story or a tragedy but just a ...bummer.

This Is Not What You Are Expecting (Unless You Are Expecting A Horrible Movie)

[shiigi1 · 1/10 · 17 May 2024]

I don't give many One Star ratings, and I write very few reviews, but this warrants both for many reasons. I love Emma Stone, but she is lucky that she already has two Oscars, because the only thing that she will get for this is a Razzie. This is easily one of the ten worst movies I have ever seen. It is billed as a horror movie, but the only horror is wasting one second watching this, waiting in vain for it to turn into something/anything. Smith and Lundy-Paine do what they can, but good actors sometimes are stuck knee deep in it, and their next endeavors have to be much, much better. This could have been a great commentary on autism. On mental illness. On coming of age. On abusive step-parents. On premature parental loss. But this takes all of those elements and does nothing with them. I was sucked in expecting Poltergeist, which I'm guessing was the plan of the false advertising, and left with a horrible taste in my mouth. If I ever see this director's name again, I will run, not walk, away as quickly as I can. I have only walked out of two movies in my life, and 30 minutes in I had that feeling, and I will regret not following my gut. There are so many reasons why that feeling was right on.

All of the Bear, and none of the stuffing.

[djedwards111 · 1/10 · 19 May 2024]

Like many people, when I saw the trailer I thought, "Oh, that looks interesting and different. Also, A24 has a great track record." This film and I, we have one thing in common. We have a lot we'd like to say, but a complete lack of clarity on how we'd like to say it. Especially in my case when it is about how I feel about this film. So I'll just say this, I felt nothing. Well I did feel like I wanted to leave halfway through, so I guess not entirely nothing.

I didn't care what happened to any of the characters, because there was no plot, no character development and no narrative direction. You can't just put a bunch of vaguely interesting shots together and call it a film. Well at least I thought so, this film decided it wanted to certainly try, and it certainly was 100 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

What a huge pile of Garbage

[grettareid-82539 · 1/10 · 10 May 2024]

I absolutely love Brigette Lundy-Paine and I was looking forward to watching this because Brigette's acting is so amazing I fell in love with Brigette in Atypical I really thought this would be something special but WOW what utter rubbish from start to finish A Movie like this isn't good enough for Brigette

I am absolutely gutted but atleast I got to see Brigette again so there's one bonus lol.

Hopefully soon people with think up a plan for a really good movie that Brigette will excel in because the talent is there and deserves much more than just some silly movie that has absolutely no meaning.

Easily one of the worst

[rphanley · 3/10 · 17 May 2024]

2 people walked out of the theater during this movie. Only thing enjoyable was some of the visuals. The story made no sense at all and it literally ends with no explanation. I don't see how this is getting any good reviews.

2 people walked out of the theater during this movie. Only thing enjoyable was some of the visuals. The story made no sense at all and it literally ends with no explanation. I don't see how this is getting any good reviews.

2 people walked out of the theater during this movie. Only thing enjoyable was some of the visuals. The story made no sense at all and it literally ends with no explanation. I don't see how this is getting any good reviews.