‘I Saw the TV Glow’ (2024) Movie Review - A Missed Chance

When I read the title of this movie, I was very intrigued, and that is why I decided to watch it. So here is what happens- In 1996, Owen, a lonely seventh grader struggling to fit in at school, encounters Maddy, a confident and openly lesbian ninth grader. Their paths cross when Owen notices Maddy engrossed in an episode guide for “The Pink Opaque”, a young adult show that has gained a cult following. The series follows teenagers Isabel and Tara as they combat monsters using their psychic connection, blending supernatural thrills with deep emotional storylines.

Curiosity piqued, Owen gathers the courage to approach Maddy and strike up a conversation about the show. They bond over their mutual interest in “The Pink Opaque”. Maddy, seeing Owen's genuine interest, invites him to join her and her friend Amanda for a viewing of the latest episode at her house. Nervous but excited, Owen sneaks out to Maddy's home, where he finds a welcoming atmosphere and an enthusiastic discussion about the show.

As the episode unfolds, Owen is completely captivated by the adventures of Isabel and Tara. He is struck by the intensity of the storyline and the powerful connection between the characters, which mirrors the budding friendship he is forming with Maddy and Amanda. This new ritual of watching “The Pink Opaque” together becomes a sanctuary for Owen, offering him a sense of belonging and understanding that he has not experienced before. For Owen, “The Pink Opaque” is more than just a show; it becomes a lifeline, a beacon of hope, and a bridge to new, meaningful relationships.

Two years have passed since then, and Owen's world has turned upside down. It is revealed that his mother Brenda is battling a terminal illness. The once lively home is now filled with a palpable sadness, and Owen finds himself increasingly isolated. His father, Frank, dismisses The Pink Opaque as "for girls," enforcing a strict bedtime curfew that prevents Owen from watching the show live. Amid this turmoil, Maddy becomes a lifeline for Owen, recording episodes so he can watch them later.  Two years later, Owen's world is turned upside down as his mother Brenda battles a terminal illness. The once lively home is now filled with a palpable sadness, and Owen finds himself increasingly isolated. His father, Frank, dismisses The Pink Opaque as "for girls," enforcing a strict bedtime curfew that prevents Owen from watching the show live. In the midst of this turmoil, Maddy becomes a lifeline for Owen, recording episodes so he can watch them later. One evening, Owen makes his way to Maddy's house to catch up on the latest episode. As they watch, he notices tears streaming down Maddy's face, reflecting a pain that goes beyond the show. When the episode ends, she quietly draws the symbol that connects Isabel and Tara on the back of Owen's neck, a gesture filled with both desperation and hope. She confides in Owen about her plan to run away from home to escape her abusive stepfather, revealing the depth of her own struggles. Maddy extends an invitation for Owen to join her, offering a way out of their shared suffering. Will he join her?

In the weeks that follow, Brenda succumbs to her illness, leaving Owen and Frank to navigate their grief. Maddy, true to her word, disappears soon after, leaving behind a void in Owen's life. To compound the sense of loss, The Pink Opaque is canceled after five seasons, stripping Owen of one of his few remaining sources of comfort and escape. Alone and adrift, Owen grapples with the profound losses that have marked his young life. How will he find the strength to move forward without his mother, Maddy, and the show that once gave him hope?

“I Saw The TV Glow” is unique in many senses. For example, it deals with teen sexuality and its impact. It also tells the story of children who belong to abusive families and the effect it has on them. When we talk about the plot, it’s a bit confusing and misses the “it” factor. Though it is supposed to be a horror film, it doesn’t feel the same. The movie seems to be straight out of a children’s book. The casting is good and so is the acting, the visual effects are also great. But it is the plot that is a bit weak despite having some elements that make it thought-provoking. Overall, it is a one-time watch.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times