I Saw the TV Glow
Movie Trailer
Release Date
May 3, 2024 (United States)
May 17, 2024 (Canada and Nationwide US)
July 26, 2024 (United Kingdom and Ireland)
Genre
Horror Drama
Cast & Crew
- Justice Smith as Owen
- Brigette Lundy-Paine as Maddy Wilson
- Helena Howard as Isabel
- Lindsey Jordan as Tara
- Danielle Deadwyler as Brenda
- Fred Durst as Frank
- Conner O’Malley as Dave
- Emma Portner as Mr. Melancholy / Marco / Amanda / Evil Clown
- Ian Foreman as younger Owen
- Madaline Riley as Polo
- Amber Benson as Johnny Link’s mom
- Michael C. Maronna as neighbor #1
- Danny Tamberelli as neighbor #2
- Phoebe Bridgers as herself
- Haley Dahl as herself
- Kristina Esfandiari as herself
Director
Jane Schoenbrun
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021)
Producer
- Sam Intili
- Sarah Winshall
- Emma Stone
- Dave McCary
- Ali Herting
Writer
Jane Schoenbrun
Production Company
- Fruit Tree
- Smudge Films
- Hypnic Jerk
- Access Entertainment
Running Time
100 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Psychological horror
- Violence
- Themes of identity and existential crisis
- Disturbing imagery
Movie Story
I Saw the TV Glow follows the unsettling journey of two isolated teenagers, Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), who find solace in their favorite television show, The Pink Opaque. Set in 1996, the show features teenagers Isabel and Tara as they use their psychic connection to battle the villainous Mr. Melancholy. For Owen, the show is an escape from his oppressive father, Frank (Fred Durst), while for Maddy, it feels more real than her own life.
Fast forward to 2006, Maddy reappears in Owen’s life, claiming to have lived inside The Pink Opaque for the past eight years. She urges Owen to rewatch the final episode, revealing a disturbing connection between their identities and the characters on the show. As Maddy recounts her surreal experiences, Owen becomes increasingly disturbed, ultimately smashing his TV in a desperate attempt to escape the show’s influence.
In 2026, Owen’s life has spiraled into misery. His asthma worsens, and he experiences a complete mental breakdown. During a birthday party at work, he locks himself in a bathroom, where he discovers glowing TV static inside his chest—a disturbing revelation that blurs the line between reality and delusion. The film ends on a haunting note, highlighting the terrifying consequences of Owen’s inability to reconcile his identity with the world around him.
Special Effects
The film’s special effects are subtle yet powerful, particularly in scenes involving the eerie TV static and the surreal transitions between reality and the world of The Pink Opaque. The effects enhance the film’s unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
Box Office Performance
I Saw the TV Glow grossed $5.1 million at the box office. Despite its niche appeal, the film performed solidly in limited release, particularly in arthouse theaters and during its festival run. Its unique blend of horror and psychological drama resonated with audiences, especially those drawn to its exploration of identity and reality.
Filming Locations
- Verona High School, New Jersey
- Cedar Grove High School, New Jersey
- Keansburg Amusement Park, New Jersey
- The Saint, New Jersey
- Camp Lewis, New Jersey
Notable Quotes
- “It’s not about what you see, but what you feel when the screen goes dark.” – Maddy
- “The static is always there, waiting to show you the truth.” – Owen
- “Sometimes, what’s real and what’s imagined are one and the same.” – Mr. Melancholy
Behind-the-Scenes
- I Saw the TV Glow is the second entry in Jane Schoenbrun’s Screen Trilogy, following We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021). The trilogy explores themes of identity, reality, and the influence of media.
- Emma Stone and Dave McCary produced the film under their Fruit Tree banner, marking their continued collaboration with A24 on boundary-pushing projects.
- The film features cameos from musicians and actors associated with 90s and early 2000s television, adding layers of nostalgia and intertextuality to the narrative.
- The script, written during a period of personal upheaval for Schoenbrun, draws heavily from their own experiences with identity and transition, using the horror genre as a vehicle for deeper psychological exploration.
Final Verdict
I Saw the TV Glow is a haunting and introspective horror drama that delves into the complexities of identity and reality. Jane Schoenbrun’s direction, combined with compelling performances from Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine, creates a film that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling. While not for the faint of heart, it offers a unique and chilling experience for fans of psychological horror.
IMDb Rating
5.9/10
Image Source: by Courtesy of A24