The Oscars & Golden Globes Criminally Overlooked This Hit Horror Movie

2025’s award season has been unyielding towards a stellar horror film titled “I Saw the TV Glow.” Despite the Oscars and Golden Globes acknowledging recent horror triumphs such as “The Substance” and “Nosferatu,” this standout film from 2024 did not receive any nominations for major awards shows. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun, “I Saw the TV Glow” is a critically acclaimed A24 production that revolves around a teenager named Owen (Justice Smith) and his friend Maddy (Jack Haven). Their lives intertwine when Maddy introduces Owen to a late-night horror program called “The Pink Opaque.” The show, with its villain Mr. Melancholy, captivates both characters, serving as a shared experience for two adolescents grappling with their identities as outcasts. As the story progresses, Owen and Maddy come to understand that the characters in “The Pink Opaque” are reflections of themselves.

The movie titled “I Saw the TV Glow” left a significant impact on some prominent figures in the film industry, such as Martin Scorsese, who, during an interview with the Associated Press, referred to it as “deeply moving and thought-provoking.” The film also received positive reviews from critics, boasting an 84% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 86. Unfortunately, despite its impressive direction by Schoenbrun, remarkable acting performances, and accurate portrayal of the lives of transgender youth, it didn’t receive as much award recognition as it deserved.

I Saw the TV Glow Is An Extremely Underrated Horror Movie

It’s surprising that the movie “I Saw the TV Glow” hasn’t received more attention during awards season, given its unique aspects and significant themes. The film’s color scheme, which uses deep blues and pinks reminiscent of the trans pride flag, is visually captivating. Beyond its visual allure, “I Saw the TV Glow” delves into meaningful topics about teenage loneliness related to sexuality and gender identity. Schoenbrun’s script combined with Smith and Haven’s portrayal of these experiences creates a deeply emotional story filled with symbolism. The numerous intricate details scattered throughout its 1990s setting make it a film worth rewatching to fully appreciate its depth.

While “I Saw the TV Glow” may not be extremely terrifying for a typical horror movie, it manages to create an eerie ambiance that underscores the terror of concealing one’s true identity throughout life. Schoenbrun emphasizes this theme by portraying Owen’s deep-seated depression as he ages, which starkly contrasts with Maddy’s journey of self-discovery upon leaving their suburban hometown. The narrative of “I Saw the TV Glow” serves as a thought-provoking reflection on gender identity struggles. Interestingly, Schoenbrun wrote the script shortly after announcing his identity as transgender and nonbinary. Beyond its status as an excellent horror film, “I Saw the TV Glow” holds significant relevance in today’s climate of heightened hostility towards the trans community. Now more than ever, it is crucial to express the experiences of trans individuals through art.

Major Awards Shows Are Still Overlooking Horror Films, & That Needs to Change

Horror films, like I Saw the TV Glow, which have garnered praise for their excellence since its debut in May 2024, seem to be overlooked by major award shows such as the Oscars and Golden Globes. This is despite the fact that movies like The Substance have managed to secure five Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe win from five nominations, hinting at a possible expansion of the voting committees’ interests towards horror projects. However, it remains perplexing that a notable film such as I Saw the TV Glow failed to make it onto the list of nominees.

Despite not receiving any prestigious awards at this year’s Golden Globes and Oscars, the movie “I Saw the TV Glow” should not be overlooked in terms of its value to the horror genre and cinematic art as a whole. For those seeking a substantial narrative accompanied by top-notch production and acting, this underestimated gem is definitely worth finding. Schoenbrun’s masterpiece has the potential to withstand the test of time, leaving film enthusiasts to ponder why the Oscars and Golden Globes neglected to recognize its merits.

I Saw the TV Glow is currently available to stream on Max.

2025-01-27 03:10

I Saw the TV Glow Is An Extremely Underrated Horror Movie

Major Awards Shows Are Still Overlooking Horror Films, & That Needs to Change

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