REVIEW: I SAW THE TV GLOW

3.5/5

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

100 Mins. Starring: Justice Smith, Jack Haven, Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Conner O'Malley, Emma Portner, Ian Foreman, Fred Durst & Danielle Deadwyler. Screenplay: Jane Schoenbrun. Director: Jane Schoenbrun. In: Theatres.

Thank you for reading. Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary were on to something when they turned to each other and said, 'I Saw The TV Glow'. The double Oscar, Bafta and Golden Globe winner and comedian husband serve as executive producers to this Jane Schoenbrun written and directed movie starring Justice Smith and Jack Haven. Far from an idiot box, you'll be stuck to this epic emitting from the boob tube, not to mention the YA TV show ('The Pink Opaque') that the two leads in this surreal and unnerving psychological horror drama are addicted to, every week at 10.00pm. So much so, when you are passed stickers of the series, ready for your lockers, laptops and guitar cases, before going to see this film, you'll think it's the real deal. Penning the logo to your neck like a tattoo. At least nuanced in nostalgia. All as another gem from A24 finally finds its way on the big-screen here in Japan, a calendar after you were crossing off the dates with a red marker.

Static shocks from the concave eye of the couch's best friend, there's no need to adjust your sets under the aerial. This is as weird and wonderful as it gets. Although, it's twinged with an unbearable sadness that subtly comes at you and then floors when you when finally realize what this mediation on lost idols, youth and life is really all about, and in turn, because of that, just how outstanding this offbeat movie really is. This Fruit Tree company and Hypnic Jerk, Smudge Film concerns warped realities and fluid identities all on a path to self discovery, we still might be riding on our kid bikes as the streets of the suburbs tell us "there is still time" in pink pastels, like the graffiti that scrawls across the screen. Schoenbrun (the forthcoming 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma' in post-production) gives us their second entry to their Screen Trilogy, preceded by the film 'We're All Going To The World's Fair' and before the upcoming novel, 'Public Access Afterworld'. This opaque cult hit, like 'The Pink', already garnered five nominations, including Best Feature, at the 40th Independent Spirit Awards, as well as critical acclaim. It clearly connects, like the reflection of the original black mirror.

Justice ('Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom', 'Detective Pikachu') is just brilliant as an isolated teen finding inspiration and solace on the screen and a new friend that glows from it. The 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves' player ups his every emotion to the ante of this epic. Owning his Owen character and honouring every strive and setback that harnesses or haunts him. His vocal and physical delivery aches with angst and the longing for and to feel like you're more. Our teenage salad days of dressing like that are not so stranger as we think, and after just turning 30, Smith can still play a youth in his own personal revolt with compelling confliction and conviction. It's Jack Haven's Maddie, mind you, who's the real enigma in this amazing allegory of gender identity and transitioning through the transmissions on television. The 'Atypical' star has found a new haven for their star shine, feeling like an icon for this generation who will assign their own individuality and identity to the world as they see fit. Just like the vital voice of Jane, the director, who made this movie three months after undergoing hormone replacement therapy.

Alex G provides pure grungy music of nostalgia in this love letter to our youth, ourselves, the TV shows that made us feel more like that, and God love it, the great Springsteen state of New Jersey (see the new 'Marvel Zombies' animation for more). There's also a cool cameo from amazing artist Phoebe Bridgers, playing in the Boygenius star's old high-school band, Sloppy Jane. Not to mention a cool cover of the Smashing Pumpkin's 'Tonight, Tonight' by Snail Mail. The real guest feature, however, might be the almost recognizable, blink at the TV, and you'll miss him, antagonist acting by Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst. Among Helena Howard, Lindsey Jordan, Conner O'Malley, Emma Portner (as Mr. Melancholy, and others in this rogue gallery) and Ian Foreman, he makes his mark. Yet it's rising star Danielle Deadwyler ('The Harder They Fall', 'Till', 'The Piano Lesson'), in this supporting cast, whose moving mothering will really stay with you as you vomit static. This psychic plane of pocket universes and nervous breakdowns strikes a chord to any feeling you once had of wanting to break free. And that's what makes you and me not that different, no matter our identity, searching for solidarity. See your own glow. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Donnie Darko', 'All Of Us Strangers', 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'.