I Saw the TV Glow (Jane Schoenbrun, 2024, USA/UK)

Certainly one of the more hyped and discussed films of 2024, the A24-distributed I Saw the TV Glow marks the second entry into director Jane Schoenbrun's self-described "Screen Trilogy." Produced under the banner of Emma Stone and husband comedian Dave McCary's company Fruit Tree, I Saw is a multi-decade story told primarily from the perspective of Owen, a troubled man played throughout most of the film by Justice Smith. The exact nature of Owen's troubles is left rather unambiguous, which is no doubt part of the film's intention.

Largely conceived of as a metaphor for Schoenbrun's own "egg crack," or moment of realization of her gender dysphoria, the film invites many psychological interpretations. It centers on Owen's relationship with Maddy Wilson (Brigette Lundy-Paine), and their joint obsession over a Buffy the Vampire Slayer-type show called The Pink Opaque. Along the way, Owen's mother dies, and Maddy runs away from home - never returning. It is hard to describe I Saw in terms of plot, as the film relies heavily on atmosphere and a general "vibe." This is largely enhanced by the film's soundtrack, which has a hazy and ethereal quality provided by acts such as Drab Majesty, and - in one of the film's better sequences - a performance by King Woman.

I Saw the TV Glow is also worth watching for the performances of Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine, who capture the kind of strange intense teenage relationships and fandoms that occur. There is also plenty of surrealism here, and it is clear that Schoenbrun has watched a good deal of David Cronenberg (there are more than a few explicit references to David Cronenberg). But I Saw is not a horror film - it is more of a drama about a personal identity crisis with horrific elements. Well worth watching for fans of conceptual dramas.

7/10