I Saw the TV Glow movie storyline. Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show — a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.
Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021 Sundance Film Festival) introduced us to a new genre of their own design: emo horror. Their follow-up feature builds upon that vibe, worming its way into the subconscious with an equally potent autopsy of reality versus fiction.
As Owen, Justice Smith exudes a quiet vulnerability, while co-lead Brigette Lundy-Paine displays a confident yet awkward conviction. Schoenbrun has a knack for portraying the trappings of adolescent family life with nuance and a welcome ambiguity, freeing audience members to relate in a way that is best suited to their own experiences. I Saw the TV Glow forces us to consider whether the memories of our youth betrayed us, or if something more sinister is at play.
I Saw the TV Glow is a 2024 American horror-thriller film written and directed by Jane Schoenbrun. It stars Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine, with Ian Foreman, Helena Howard, Fred Durst and Danielle Deadwyler, among others, in supporting roles. Emma Stone and Dave McCary serve as producers under their Fruit Tree banner.
I Saw the TV Glow premiered in the Midnight section at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on January 18, 2024. It also screened at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival in the Panorama section on February 20, 2024 and South by Southwest on March 10, 2024. It was released on May 3, 2024.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
Directed by: Jane Schoenbrun
Starring: Justice Smith, Ian Foreman, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Helena Howard, Fred Durst, Danielle Deadwyler, Lindsey Jordan, Amber Benson, Conner O’Malley, Emma Portner, Kristina Esfandiar
Screenplay by: Jane Schoenbrun
Production Design by: Brandon Tonner-Connolly
Cinematography by: Eric K. Yue
Film Editing by: Sofi Marshall
Costume Design by: Rachel Dainer-Best
Set Decoration by: Paige Mitchell
Art Direction by: Naomi Munro
Music by: Alex G
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violent content, some sexual material, thematic elements and teen smoking.
Distributed by: A24 Films
Release Date: January 18, 2024 (Sundance), May 3, 2024
Visits: 14
