I Saw the TV Glow has the most traumatizing scene of 2024

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As I sat through the hauntingly beautiful tale of “I Saw the TV Glow“, I found myself captivated by its raw and poignant portrayal of self-discovery, loneliness, and the allure of escapism that resonates deeply within the modern soul. Having experienced my own share of existential crises and identity struggles, this film felt like a mirror reflecting my own journey – albeit with a dash of horror and a sprinkle of campy nostalgia.

As the television screen went dark, I found myself unable to utter a word or make any movement. The finale was incredibly impactful, yet hauntingly traumatic – a memory I won’t easily erase, and one I wouldn’t wish to. “I desperately need your assistance.

Jane Schoenbrun possesses a unique talent for shedding light on contemporary spirits; their insightful first feature film, We’re All Going to the World’s Fair, captured the enticing and debilitating solitude of living through the internet in a way that had never been done before or since.

This film, I Saw the TV Glow, served as a striking contrast (and an unsettling premonition) for one of the exceptional masterpieces of the decade. Known as one of the finest horror movies ever made, it stands alone in its class. Remarkably, it sensitively and powerfully addresses the trans experience, offering a unique perspective to those who identify as trans but yet to recognize it (referred to as “eggs”). However, its haunting journey through terrifying escapism resonates with anyone, including myself.

The movie traces the story of Owen, initially portrayed by Ian Foreman and later by Justice Smith, who is an awkward pre-teen. He develops a friendship with Maddie, played by Brigette Lundy-Paine, who is slightly older and attends high school. They share a common interest in The Pink Opaque, a mysterious late-night youth series that blends elements of Twin Peaks, Goosebumps, and Are You Afraid of the Dark. By the end, this series becomes both their connection and a source of trouble for them.

The ending of I Saw the TV Glow is horrifying 

Towards the end of I Saw the TV Glow, Owen feels unbearably isolated, despite having his own family. He resisted Maddy’s suggestion to bury him underground because she believed it would’ve moved him into the real world depicted within The Pink Opaque.

After that, he doesn’t meet her anymore. Many years pass, and his body and mind start to weaken significantly. His parents have passed away, leaving him in their house, possibly with his spouse and kids. Each day seems to blend into the next, filled with a quiet, unyielding sense of emptiness. He had been forewarned: “It’s like missing chapters on a DVD. I kept telling myself, ‘This isn’t right. This isn’t how life should be.’ That’s what Maddy told him.

One evening, he finds himself back at The Pink Opaque, but encounters a widespread letdown: what was once cherished in childhood no longer resonates as an adult (I’ve faced this myself with the 2005 game Shadow the Hedgehog; I’m not quite ready to discuss it yet). It’s no longer the sophisticated, captivating series he used to be infatuated with – instead, it feels cheesy, low-budget, and immature. “I just felt ashamed,” he admits.

On a subsequent day (or possibly years down the line), Owen assists with a child’s birthday celebration at his cinema’s arcade. He enthusiastically participates in the festivities, whispering “Happy birthday” amidst the cheers and applause, seemingly overshadowed by the uninhibited joy of those who have never doubted themselves.

A feeling of terror overtakes him, causing him to cry out desperately for assistance. However, no one in the room seems to respond; they merely lower their heads and remain motionless, seemingly unaware of Owen’s pain. To this day, that chilling scene and his heart-wrenching anguish continue to linger in my memory, months after I first saw it.

There’s still hope in I Saw the TV Glow 

Owen rushes off to the bathroom, securing the door behind him while taking out a box cutter. Understandably, this might make you feel apprehensive, and indeed, the scene on TV becomes increasingly bizarre: he slashes open his chest, exposing an intensely bright blue light within. It’s terrifying yet oddly soothing – much like recalling The Pink Opaque.

Inside Owen, what’s been hidden isn’t irretrievable, even though he persistently denies the emotions that truly shape him. This offers a positive outlook: regardless of whether you’re a teenager, in your mid-thirties, or elderly, it’s never too late to uncover your true identity.

According to the director’s explanation, “after spending half a lifetime resisting, Owen realizes there’s a light within himself – a realization that requires him to metaphorically open up and discover the heart that was once removed from him. Instead, he finds a symbol, which could be a source of beauty but also reflects the uncertainty and ominousness of the emptiness of his inner self. This symbol represents what’s missing within him.

As a gamer, I strive to encapsulate the complex mix of apprehension, exhilaration, and hope, yet at the same time, the unease and fear, when an egg cracks open – a moment that echoes for queer or trans individuals, the realization that one isn’t fully oneself, and that transformation is necessary to unveil the hidden magic within, a magic perhaps present in childhood memories, or moments of life that resonate deeply.

Towards the end, Owen awkwardly exits the game room, offering a humble apology for his display of anger. This scene carries a sad undertone; despite a hint of realization in this instant, he remains swamped with doubt and apprehension.

But it’s okay, because there’s a clear message in the horror: “There is still time.”

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2024-11-29 21:42