Jane Schoenbrun, acclaimed for their thought-provoking cinema, describes their ideal movie as one that “you have to wrestle with.” This perfectly encapsulates their latest work, I Saw the TV Glow, a film that delves into the depths of identity, obsession, and the blurring lines between reality and fiction, all filtered through the lens of 90s pop culture. Following their micro-budget debut, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, Schoenbrun elevates their filmmaking with I Saw the TV Glow, a feature that powerfully explores gender dysphoria in a uniquely surreal and radical manner. Even Paul Schrader, a renowned filmmaker himself, lauded Schoenbrun as “hands down the most original voice in film in the last decade,” acknowledging its confounding yet wondrous nature.
I Saw the TV Glow is deeply personal to Schoenbrun, written after their “egg crack” and during the initial stages of hormone therapy. The film revolves around teenagers Owen, portrayed by Justice Smith, and Maddy, played by Brigette Lundy-Paine. They find connection in their shared fascination with a fictional Y.A. television show, The Pink Opaque, reminiscent of Schoenbrun’s own teenage devotion to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. When The Pink Opaque is abruptly canceled, Owen and Maddy’s world begins to warp, as the boundary between the televised world and their reality disintegrates.
Schoenbrun shared with A.frame the profound experience of creating such a personal and visceral film, stating, “[Getting] the chance to make something that was this personal, this visceral, this much speaking from inside trans experience that hasn’t really been done, at least on this level — Every part of the process was completely surreal. I felt like I was pulling off some kind of existential bank heist.”
Exploring Identity Through Fandom and Dysphoria
Schoenbrun reveals that Owen and Maddy serve as avatars for different facets of their own journey with gender transition. It’s not solely about the physical transition, but rather the lifelong process of being socialized into an identity that doesn’t align with one’s true self. The characters embody contrasting responses to this internal conflict. Owen and Isabel from The Pink Opaque represent hesitancy and fear of the unknown, while Maddy and Tara embody courage, trusting their inner voice and venturing into self-discovery despite the risks.
Schoenbrun elaborates on the internal struggle they aimed to portray, “…both of these perspectives were very present for me: The desire to stay home — and I use that word in the most extensive sense — and the desire to not leave behind everything that you’ve known of yourself and your community and your family and life, which I think is a very understandable desire… And then the resilience and faith that’s required to risk all of it to become.” This duality is central to I Saw the TV Glow, capturing the terrifying yet liberating process of embracing one’s true identity.
A Unique Vision Brought to Screen
The film has resonated deeply with audiences, with many expressing that they’ve “never seen that committed to the screen,” referring to the raw and honest portrayal of dysphoria and self-discovery. Schoenbrun reflects on their journey as a filmmaker, acknowledging the challenges of creating personal work within the commercial film industry. Their experience working on We’re All Going to the World’s Fair with minimal budget was intentional, allowing them complete creative freedom. The success of their debut paved the way for I Saw the TV Glow, granting them the “surreal opportunity” to create something even bolder with the support of A24, a studio known for championing unique and unconventional films.
Schoenbrun’s intention was to push boundaries and create a film that truly reflected their personal experiences. Working with A24 provided the platform to achieve this vision, resulting in a film that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Defining a Trans or Non-Binary Gaze in Cinema
When discussing the visual language of cinema, Schoenbrun critiques the binary nature of terms like “male gaze” and “female gaze.” They are actively contributing to building a unique “trans or non-binary gaze,” drawing from surrealist and body horror influences like David Lynch and David Cronenberg to express the internal and intangible nature of transness.
Schoenbrun references Eliza Steinbock’s Shimmering Images, which explores the trans fascination with “liminality of the shimmer.” This concept deeply resonated with Schoenbrun, whose work often utilizes visual haziness and low-resolution aesthetics to convey the fluidity and in-betweenness of trans experience. The “trans gaze,” as Schoenbrun envisions it, is less about external presentation and more about capturing the “internal wrongness and then slow correction” that characterizes the journey of self-discovery and affirmation.
Beyond Horror: Genre as a Brushstroke
While many viewers categorize I Saw the TV Glow as a horror film, Schoenbrun sees genre more as a tool than a definitive label. Their films are “deeply indebted to genre” and explore characters who are fans of horror, but the primary goal isn’t simply to scare audiences. The “horrific tones” emerge from the darkness inherent in the internal experiences they aim to articulate. Schoenbrun seeks to find “beauty in something that others feel is grotesque,” approaching genre with a personal and nuanced perspective. Drawing inspiration from Olivier Assayas, Schoenbrun views genre as “one color on his paintbrush rather than the picture itself,” using it to enhance, but not define, their deeply personal cinematic vision.
Where to Watch I Saw the TV Glow
For those eager to experience Jane Schoenbrun’s groundbreaking film, I Saw the TV Glow, here’s what we know about where to watch it. As an A24 film, it’s expected to have a theatrical release followed by streaming availability on platforms associated with A24 releases.
Theatrical Release: I Saw the TV Glow had its premiere at film festivals and began its theatrical rollout in May 2024. Check local cinema listings for showtimes in your area. Given the positive critical reception, it’s likely to be playing in select theaters for a period.
Streaming Platforms: A24 films often find their streaming home on platforms like Max (formerly HBO Max) after their theatrical run. Keep an eye on Max’s upcoming releases for I Saw the TV Glow in the months following its theatrical debut. It may also become available for digital purchase or rental on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies.
Stay Updated: For the most up-to-date information on where to watch I Saw the TV Glow, it’s recommended to:
- Follow A24’s official social media channels and website: They will announce release dates and streaming information.
- Check movie news websites and streaming guides: Sites like JustWatch or Reelgood can provide updates on film availability.
- Sign up for email alerts from streaming services: You can often set notifications for when specific movies become available on platforms like Max.
I Saw the TV Glow promises to be a cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. Its exploration of identity, dysphoria, and the power of pop culture makes it a must-watch for those seeking films that challenge and resonate on a deeply personal level.
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