Movie Rating: 4/5
Unfortunately, this will NOT be a spoiler free review. There will be spoilers below. So if you haven’t seen “I Saw the TV Glow” (available on Max) I would not continue reading this post. If you don’t care, or have seen the movie, keep on reading for my review.
As soon as I saw the title of the film, I had a big idea what this movie was about. Only because I saw a trend on TikTok about the meaning of the title, not because I knew what it referred to before that. And I’m glad I had an idea going into the film because if I didn’t, I think I would be a little lost.
The underlying theme of this movie is based around someone who is transgender. If you didn’t put the hint of the pieces together by the title and opening sequence of subtle trans colors, this movie probably went over your head. And not in a bad way. Just in a way where this film was made for a very specific audience to understand.
Regardless, I’m sure it’s still enjoyable by the average viewer. It gives 90s horror vibes with some nostalgic feel. The two main actors in it are Justice Smith (All the Bright Places) and Jack Haven (Atypical).
Here’s the plot:
Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs, when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show-one which conveys a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.
***
When Kristen and I finished the movie, we just sat there in silence. Not because it was absolutely mind blowing, but because it really took us a minute to let it sink in. Not many direct answers, but a lot left up to interpretation. So if you’re looking for a movie where everything is handed to you on a silver platter, this movie is not for you. But, if you’re opening to interpreting this movie in your own way, then hit play.
I really did enjoy it. I loved the theming, the message, the weirdness of it. Because let’s be real, it was a freaking weird movie. It gave indie vibes for sure, but it was still made by A24. Watching any kind of weird or indie movie is so hard for me because I strictly usually watch mainstream stuff (I’m working on this), but boy am I glad I watched this. I immediately looked up other people’s interpretations of it because I wanted to see how others understood the film.
Pretty much the film is about Owen (Justice Smith) being faced with the reality that they’re a trans woman, and deciding if they want to hide in the closet their whole mundane life, or come out and live their vibrant, authentic self. Sad spoiler: she chooses to stay in the closet and she pretty much suffocates until her inevitable death. The death isn’t showed on screen, but you’ll make that assumption after watching the movie.
I thought I was going into this watching a creepy horror film, and in a way it was. But not the horror film you’re expecting. Quite honestly, the biggest horror for me was that she decided to stay in the closet even though she literally could not breathe anymore. It was super sad, because I know there are people out there who would rather stay living the lives they’re living despite seeing the glow of the tv. If you see the glow, even a flicker of it, pursue it if you’re in a safe place.
Even with this information, I do recommend the movie. It’s weird and trippy, but if you hate it, it’s only an hour and 40 minutes of your time. It’s thought provoking, and I found myself finding some scenes relatable.
I’m by no means any professional reviewer. This is my personal take on the story and my opinion is my own. Just as yours is your own. Love or hate this movie, your choice.
I’m a sucker for any trans media like this, so it got me. Skeptical at first, but ultimately really satisfied with the watch. Even if you’re anyone who’s trying to suppress anything about yourself, you can probably find a way to relate to this. Happy watching.
