Teenager Owen is just trying to make it through life in the suburbs when his classmate introduces him to a mysterious late-night TV show—a vision of a supernatural world beneath their own. In the pale glow of the television, Owen’s view of reality begins to crack.

Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR (IFFBoston 2021) introduced us to a new genre of their own design: emo horror. Their follow-up feature builds upon that vibe, worming its way into the subconscious with an equally potent autopsy of reality versus fiction. As Owen, Justice Smith exudes a quiet vulnerability, while co-lead Brigette Lundy-Paine displays a confident yet awkward conviction. Schoenbrun has a knack for portraying the trappings of adolescent family life with nuance and a welcome ambiguity, freeing audience members to relate in a way that is best suited to their own experiences. I SAW THE TV GLOW forces us to consider whether the memories of our youth betrayed us, or if something more sinister is at play.

—Adam Montgomery, Sundance Film Festival guide

Screening Support By:
WickedQueer
Boston Underground Film Festival

Brattle Passes not accepted.