I Saw the TV Glow
★★
I’m the type of movie lover who keeps an ever-growing watchlist that seems to stretch into infinity. Sadly, I don’t get to cross off nearly as many films as I’d like—which makes me selective when I do commit to sitting down for one. So, when a movie lands on my radar, I go in hoping it will be worth the time. I Saw the TV Glow was one of those films.
From the start, this movie piqued my interest. The trailers gave off a tantalizing, nostalgic vibe that seemed right up my alley, and the A24 logo always sparks a little extra excitement for me. However, after watching, I found myself in the rare position of being stunned—not by awe, but by how much I just didn’t enjoy it.
First, let’s give credit where it’s due. Visually, I Saw the TV Glow is captivating. The cinematography is enchanting, the kind that pulls you in with its mesmerizing, artful camera work. It’s clear that director Jane Schoenbrun has an eye for striking imagery and isn’t afraid to push creative boundaries. The film takes cues from '90s Nickelodeon teen horror aesthetics, blending it with surreal, psychological elements that feel nostalgic yet fresh.
But here’s the problem—it takes a Herculean amount of patience to get through this story. By the time the credits rolled, I finally understood what the film wanted to say. It’s a tale about identity, discomfort in one’s own skin and the blurred lines between reality and media. Yet, the journey to that understanding felt like wading through a dense, confusing maze.
This is where the inexperience of the first-time director was most apparent. Many scenes lingered far too long, dragging the pacing to a near halt. It was one of those rare moments where I thought, “This could’ve been tighter, sharper, more impactful.” I applaud the ambition—there’s clearly a unique voice here—but some of Schoenbrun's choices were so outlandishly abstract that they left me puzzled rather than intrigued.
I might be in the minority, as I’ve seen others who connected deeply with the film’s themes and avant-garde presentation. But for me, it was like walking through an art exhibit and feeling lost in front of a piece that seems more bizarre than profound. I’m no stranger to strange films, and I pride myself on embracing the unconventional, but I was unable to connect to the material.
In the end, while I can’t bring myself to give I Saw the TV Glow a one-star rating (thanks to its undeniable visual prowess), it’s a solid two stars from me. It’s beautiful, ambitious and bewildering—like staring at a stunning, inscrutable painting that leaves you wondering if you’re just not seeing what others are.
