REVIEW: I Saw The TV Glow

I want to preference this review with saying that I was really looking forward to I Saw the TV Glow from A24. The trailer was captivating and the synopsis was intriguing. As I settled in to the recliner at the theater, I was eagerly waiting for brilliance....it just never came. 

I Saw the TV Glow tries to explore the complicated themes of identity and nostalgia but ends up getting lost in its own ambitions. The film centers on Owen's introspective journey, but the storytelling is so unclear that viewers are left more confused than enlightened.

Director Jane Schoenbrun has an ambitious vision, aiming to delve into how television affects a young mind struggling with self-identity. Unfortunately, the execution falls flat, with pacing that wavers between glacially sluggish and erratic, making the whole viewing experience feel disjointed and aimless.

The performances, especially by Justice Smith, are sincere but hampered by characters that lack depth. Owen, who is supposed to be a vessel for the audience's empathy, instead comes across as frustratingly passive. His interactions with Maddy, which are intended to be the emotional heart of the film, don't have the necessary chemistry to fully engage the audience. This becomes a major problem when the rest of the film is creeping at a snail's pace.

Visually, the film is beautiful and does have some very striking moments with its use of neon lighting, which creates a very unique atmosphere. However, these visual choices can't make up for a plot that seems to meander along without a clear direction. The film's attempt to pay homage to the '90s and its cult TV shows feels more like a patchwork of references than a thoughtful reflection. And unfortunately for me, that was the part I was looking forward to the most.

In its effort to make a profound statement on trans identity and the search for belonging, "I Saw the TV Glow" loses sight of the narrative cohesion needed to support such heavy themes. While the film is occasionally intriguing, it ultimately leaves the viewer feeling lost...and worse, bored.

There's some great ideas here, and it certainly looks beautiful, but I Saw the TV Glow ultimately felt like I was staring at a TV with nothing but static.

You can get I Saw The TV Glow from Amazon here.