Jane Schoenbrun's narrative film, "I Saw the TV Glow," provides an immersive narrative on the quest for a sense of belonging. Through the eyes of a young character, Owen (initially played by Ian Foreman), this journey is presented juxtaposed against the vibrant pixels of a television screen. In one impactful scene, Owen is shown completely enthralled by the grotesque, mystical characters of a teen series, "The Pink Opaque." This early encounter sets the tone for a persistent exploration of how television can shape a search for identity and belonging.
As Owen matures, portrayed by Justice Smith, he grapples with complex questions concerning identity, sexuality and personhood, themes that come to the fore with increasing urgency. The fluctuating relationship with Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), a school friend, and their shared love for "The Pink Opaque" provide scaffolding for Owen's exploration of self.
"The Pink Opaque" serves as a springboard for Owen's search for self-identification. The show, with mystical monsters and abstract truths, plays an instrumental role in Owen’s life, shaping his introspection and thought process. It stands as an unvarnished mirror that reflects Owen and Maddy's mundane suburb and its suffocating gender norms and dreams.
Schoenbrun enhances the film's atmosphere with playful filming techniques of the teen series within the movie that transform from silly pastiche to reveal deeper understandings of the characters. Watching "I Saw the TV Glow," draws parallels to films like Jordan Peele’s “Us," with its use of television to strike at deeper societal norms and prejudices.
The film deftly portrays television as a medium which brings the societal undercurrents to the fore, and highlights how stereotypes are projected, reimagined, and then re-lived on the screen. The characters are led down divergent paths based on their relation with television – acting as a medium of revolt for Maddy, and a source of fear for Owen.
Director Schoenbrun delivers a film that feels adventurous and risk-taking, pushing towards close-ups and inventively edited sequences that blend the conscious with the imagined. This creative courage translates well into commanding performances by the cast. Smith's portrayal of Owen particularly stands out, capturing the essence of his character's internal struggle with nuanced physicality and expressive acting.
Ultimately, "I Saw the TV Glow" flows like a haunting rerun – continuously refreshing and insightful no matter how many times it's been replayed. The film signifies a risk-taker’s victory over superficial constraints, leaving an indelible mark on viewers with its daring narrative and powerful performances.
