A classmate introduces teenage Owen to a mysterious late-night TV show -- a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen's view of reality begins to crack.
Director: Jane Schoenbrun
Cast: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Fred Durst, Danielle Deadwyler
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Genre: Drama, Horror
Rated PG-13 for violent content, some sexual material, thematic elements and teen smoking.
Runtime: 1h 40m
Review:
Jane Schoenbrun's latest feature, I Saw the TV Glow, is another challenging arthouse piece that’s sure to earn as many fans as it frustrates with its methodical approach. Those familiar with Schoenbrun’s style will find this film slightly more accessible than their previous films, especially with its recreation of 90s young adult TV shows. This story within the story is one of the more intriguing approaches Schoenbrun uses in service of the larger story at play which doesn’t come into full focus until the final act. There are plenty of allusions and clues that Schoenbrun drops along the way about the message of the film, but it works on a more universal level as well. It’s a challenging film that will test the patience of more than a few people who will disengage from the film well before the finale. The visuals, fourth wall breaking and multi layered, time jump approach won’t be for everyone especially as it meanders in the third act making the whole thing far longer than its run time. Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine serve as the center of the story with each working well off each other even with the hushed, monotone exchanges employed for most of the film. Smith’s understated, almost anesthetized delivery fits perfectly for the character while Lundy-Paine is given more range to play with as a counterpoint. They are fascinating performances in film that’s almost overly constructed to the point of exhaustion but I Saw the TV Glow is sure to leave a wide variety of impressions from confusion, annoyance or self-reflection.
B-
