I Saw the TV Glow - Review: A Haunting Directorial Showcase of Repressed Identity

I Saw the TV Glow (2024)

★★★☆☆

A dark, atmospheric coming-of-age story that prioritizes tone over traditional narrative.

Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, I Saw the TV Glow is a film that arguably defies categorization. While marketed as horror, it is less of a traditional thriller and more of a meditation on the deterioration of mental health in the wake of repressed self-identity. It captures the haunting pain of conforming to societal norms with an earnest sincerity that is both admirable and disturbing.

"The work feels more like a directorial showcase for Jane Schoenbrun... more about setting a unique, haunting tone than telling a strong story or beating the viewer over the head with an obvious theme."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director/Writer: Jane Schoenbrun
• Starring: Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine
• Cinematography: Eric Yue
• Music: Alex G

The Vision

The movie clearly has the ambition to evoke the most disturbing works of David Lynch. While it doesn't quite capture the same bizarre, terrifying menace, the attempts at creating a unique, visceral aesthetic are noteworthy. Schoenbrun uses impressive cinematography and disturbing imagery to build a world that feels equal parts style and substance—though for those who prioritize a tight plot, the latter half of the film may feel like it gives up on narrative coherence in favor of pure absorption.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• A24 Aesthetic: The film's neon-drenched, lo-fi look was inspired by 90s television shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
• Soundtrack Depth: The film features an original soundtrack with contributions from Caroline Polachek, Snail Mail, and King Woman, curated to reflect the film's emotional landscape.
• Director’s Journey: This is Jane Schoenbrun’s follow-up to their viral indie hit We're All Going to the World's Fair, continuing their exploration of digital and media-based isolation.

✅ Pros

• Breathtaking, eerie, and highly original visual style.
• Earnest and vulnerable performances from the lead cast.
• A unique, meditative approach to identity and trauma.

❌ Cons

• Narrative pacing slows significantly after the 45-minute mark.
• Style occasionally overwhelms the emotional development of the characters.
• May be too esoteric for viewers seeking a traditional horror plot.

The Full Analysis

I Saw the TV Glow is a dark, atmospheric coming-of-age story that is short on a strong narrative and more focused on setting a creepy, dark tone with interesting visuals. Although marketed as a horror film, it is not really a traditional thriller or a scary movie. The film arguably defies categorization altogether. If anything, it serves as a meditation on the deterioration of mental health in the wake of repressed puberty, as well as the self-harm created by conforming to societal norms instead of accepting one's own self-identity.

As a unique directorial showcase for Jane Schoenbrun, the work is more about establishing a haunting atmosphere than beating the viewer over the head with an obvious theme. The earnest sincerity of the performers, coupled with the impressive cinematography and disturbing imagery, is certainly admirable. However, at times, it begins to feel like a case of style over substance. While the movie possesses the ambition to evoke the most disturbing works of David Lynch, it lacks the bizarre and truly terrifying menace found in those films.

The characters are simply not affable or developed enough to make the audience care for them deeply. Around the forty-five-minute mark, the film starts to feel overlong, seemingly giving up on telling a coherent, meaningful story. At that point, the viewer is left simply absorbing the aesthetic rather than remaining invested in the protagonists' journey. This is a common hurdle for esoteric indie cinema, where the mood is expected to carry the weight of the missing plot.

Nonetheless, director Jane Schoenbrun deserves positive recognition for sharing such a unique work, and these achievements mark them as a filmmaker to watch in the future. Schoenbrun could easily lean further into the esoteric or pivot toward more traditional chronicles. Regardless of the direction, I Saw the TV Glow is a powerfully invigorating, though somber, piece of cinema that captures the feeling of being lost in the static of one's own life, providing a sharp, satirical edge to the nostalgia of the 1990s.

🏆 Final Verdict

A unique work that marks Jane Schoenbrun as a director to watch. I Saw the TV Glow is a haunting, visual-first experience that rewards those willing to simply absorb its atmosphere, even when the story fades into the background.

View original review on Letterboxd