A horror fantasy film that has been described as 'criminally overlooked' by awards bodies and is a favourite of Oscar-winning director Martin Scorsese is now available to stream on Netflix.
The 2024 title, I Saw the TV Glow, has been added to the streaming platform's library and is already being hailed as a future cult classic, particularly among Generation Z.
Plot and Cast
The film stars Justice Smith and Jack Haven as Owen and Maddy, two disheartened teenagers who form a bond over a late-night television show called The Pink Opaque, which resembles a Buffy the Vampire Slayer-style series. The show presents a vision of a supernatural world lurking beneath their own reality. However, after a series of traumatic events, the boundaries between the fictional show and real life begin to blur.
Critical Reception
I Saw the TV Glow holds an impressive 85% approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and has garnered numerous positive reviews. Despite this, it was largely overlooked during the awards season, leading one critic to claim that 'the Oscars and Golden Globes criminally overlooked' the film. However, it did receive high praise from Hollywood royalty.
Martin Scorsese's Endorsement
Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese, known for films like Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street, singled out I Saw the TV Glow as one of his favourite films of 2024. In an interview with the Associated Press in late 2024, Scorsese said: 'There was one film I liked a great deal I saw two weeks ago called I Saw the TV Glow. It really was emotionally and psychologically powerful and very moving. It builds on you, in a way. I didn't know who made it. It's this Jane Schoenbrun.'
Fan Reactions
Scorsese was not alone in his praise. Rolling Stone magazine declared it 'Gen Z's new favourite cult movie,' and fans have been equally enthusiastic. One viewer shared: 'This movie hit me hard. Resonated with me so deeply I had to cry through the credits, ruminating on my own life. I think anyone who grew up as an outcast/weird kid, especially in a suburb will relate to the film and characters struggles.'
Another fan compared it to a classic: 'This film reminded me of the first time I saw Donnie Darko. It left me thinking and needing to watch it again. This film is entirely metaphorical and does not follow an obvious straightforward plot line. It will make you think and try to discern what every scene means and I enjoy that style of filmmaking.'
Some viewers have already predicted its cult status: 'A future cult classic that deserves to be seen on the big screen, but it was fitting I saw this with a smattering of others in a matinee. It's a movie that can change your life if you let it, and is somehow also about the danger of letting media change your life. It walks a delicate balance and is a wholly original work of pastiche filmmaking.'
One person described it as a masterpiece: 'The first time I watched this movie, I couldn't take my eyes off of the screen. I was mesmerised. While it may not be a movie for everyone, I Saw the TV Glow really touched me in a deep personal space. I Saw the TV Glow is, for me, truly a masterpiece.'
Genre Debate
While some argue that the film should not be classified purely as horror, others insist it fits the genre well. One fan noted: 'Some REALLY like REALLY good plot twists. It was actually disturbing, I have not gotten creeped out or disturbed at a movie for a while until I saw this. This movie by far has to be THE BEST horror movie of 2024. One more thing this is my opinion but the plot twist was WAY better than The Sixth Sense.'
I Saw the TV Glow is now streaming on Netflix.
