Behind the Movie-
“I Saw the TV Glow” is an A24 queer horror film directed and written by Jane Schoenbrun. It was released in January of 2024 for the annual Sundance Film Festival. Justice Smith plays Owen and Brigette Lundy-Paine as Maddie, two lonely teenagers interested in the same late-night show ‘The Pink Opaque’.
Psychological effects of the overconsumption of media-
The story follows a character named Owen who becomes fixated on a mysterious television program that seems to have a life of its own. As the protagonist delves deeper into the show, they start to experience strange occurrences in their life. The lines between reality and the television narrative blur, and the character becomes increasingly isolated from friends and family. This obsession leads to unsettling visions and interactions with the show’s eerie characters, revealing the impact of media on mental health and personal identity. The film expertly combines atmospheric tension with social commentary, examining how the continuous consumption of media can warp perceptions of reality. The backdrops are vividly shot, enhancing the sense of unease as the protagonist spirals into their obsession. Throughout the film, viewers are prompted to reflect on their own relationship with television and media, grappling with questions about authenticity and the nature of reality in a media-saturated world. The climax leaves the audience questioning what is real and what is imagined, making for a thought-provoking and chilling experience.
The Exploration of the Transgender Identity-
The protagonist’s obsession with the TV can symbolize the duality many transgender individuals face in their own identities. Just as the character navigates between reality and the television world, people who are trans often navigate between their assigned gender at birth and their true gender identity. This duality reflects the internal and external struggles people may go through as they reconcile who they are with how society perceives them. The pink opaque, the show that captivates the protagonist can represent societal expectations and norms around gender. For transgender individuals, media portrayals of gender can influence their understanding of identity. The character’s growing fixation could symbolize the desire to find a representation that resonates with their authentic self, as many trans individuals seek out media that validates their experiences. The protagonist becomes increasingly isolated from friends and family, mirroring the alienation many transgender individuals face. This isolation may stem from fear of rejection or misunderstanding regarding their gender identity. The film highlights how a lack of support and understanding from society can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, which is a common experience among trans individuals. Owens’s journey reflects the fears surrounding acceptance and the potential consequences of living authentically. The horror elements in the film can symbolize the fears of societal dread. The tension between embracing one’s true identity and the external pressures of conformity is a central theme that resonates throughout the narrative.
Conclusion-
“I Saw the TV Glow” can serve as a powerful narrative about the trans experience, focusing on the psychological aspects of identity, the influence of media, and societal pressure. Through its themes of obsession, isolation, and the search for authenticity, the film resonates with the struggles and triumphs faced by transgender individuals. It prompts audiences to reflect on the importance of understanding and accepting diverse identities in a media-saturated world, making it a poignant piece of storytelling that reflects a broader conversation about gender and identity. In conclusion, this is a mind-opening piece of media that you can enjoy while broadening your taste in movies.
