Surreal is the simplest way to encapsulate the emotional journey that is A24’s latest project, “I Saw The TV Glow.” In fact, I would describe it as simply ethereal.
The phenomenal cinematography makes the movie stand out most. The scenes feature a crackly, VHS type quality that adds to the nostalgia that the movie already boasts in great measure. In addition to the vintage film-style, original music from artists such as Alex G, and even a cameo from singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, appear and add to the uniqueness of the movie.
The movie follows two kids, Owen and Maddie, who bond and eventually form what could be considered a friendship over a show called the Pink Opaque. Unlike many kids, the two are not scared of the show, and bond over the strangeness that is created within the Pink Opaque. Throughout the lapse of the movie, Maddie begins to lose sense of reality and seems to grow attached to the reality the Pink Opaque has given her. Eventually, Maddie goes missing, which leads Owen to search for answers about both her and himself.
It is difficult to classify the movie under one category, given that the movie wasn’t entirely a horror. Often, the horror aspects were psychological, and there was minimal gore or jump scares. It was more of a suspenseful thriller, leaving the viewers feeling uneasy rather than utterly terrified. At times, the plot became slightly confusing or lost and a bit inconsistent, but it came together to form one of the most important movies of our time.
“I Saw The TV Glow” subtly deals with difficult subjects such as identity, relationships, loss, grief and mental health and displays them in a beautifully nostalgic way, entrancing the viewer into a world of neon colors and vintage suburban charm. The movie as a whole is hard to formulate an opinion on because there are so many different aspects that made it so special.
The depth of the characters gave “I Saw The TV Glow” a certain importance, highlighting what it means to be a human and emphasizing the difficulty of being a teenager in a world where it can be extremely difficult to pinpoint one’s identity.
Altogether, the movie has received a variety of mixed reviews, mainly positive. A common factor in the positive reviews is the idea of how important the movie truly is. Whether the viewing experience was enjoyable or not, viewers are provided with a sense of perplexity and are left simply shocked afterwards.
A24’s “I Saw The TV Glow” is an utterly awe-inspiring piece of film and should definitely be added to anyone’s viewing list. The movie could hold significance to any individual and is particularly worthwhile to those who desire deeper insight on their identity and the world that has shaped them.
