A favourite of an Oscar-winning filmmaker is now available to stream on Netflix.
In the platform’s latest library update, a 2024 horror fantasy title tipped to become a cult classic for a whole new generation has arrived. I Saw The TV Glow is now accessible to subscribers of the service.
The film features Justice Smith and Jack Haven as Owen and Maddy, two disenchanted teenagers who forge a bond over a late-night Buffy The Vampire-style programme called The Pink Opaque, which presents a vision of a supernatural world lurking beneath their own.
However, following a series of traumatic events, the boundaries between the show and reality begin to blur and shatter.
The film boasts an impressive 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and garnered a wealth of glowing reviews, despite being largely ignored during awards season.
This prompted one critic to declare that “the Oscars and Golden Globes criminally overlooked” the picture. Nevertheless, it did manage to attract admiration from Hollywood royalty , reports the Mirror.
Celebrated director Martin Scorsese singled it out as one of his favourite films of that year. Speaking to AP in late 2024, the man behind Goodfellas and The Wolf of Wall Street 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.” Scorsese was far from alone in his admiration, as Rolling Stone magazine declared it is ‘Gen Z’s new favourite cult movie.’ Countless fans also chimed in with their own glowing endorsements.
The majority confessed to being profoundly moved by the film, with one remarking: “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 enthused: “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 straight forward plot line. It will make you think and try to discern what every scene means and I enjoy that style of filmmaking.”
Yet another boldly forecast its lasting legacy: “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 further viewer proclaimed: “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.”
While some argued the film did not truly belong in the horror genre, others were firmly convinced it hit the mark. As one viewer put it: “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 streaming on Netflix.
