I Saw the TV Glow

In 1996, Owen, a timid seventh grader, unexpectedly connects with Maddy, a ninth grader, when he discovers her engrossed in an episode guide for the popular show 'The Pink Opaque.' This serendipitous moment leads Owen to visit Maddy's home, where they bond over the show.

Just two years later, Owen is hit with tragedy as his mother, Brenda, is diagnosed with a terminal illness. His father, Frank, dismisses Owen's interest in 'The Pink Opaque' as childish, enforcing a strict curfew that leaves Owen feeling increasingly isolated.

Amidst the turmoil of his mother's illness, Maddy shows compassion by recording episodes of 'The Pink Opaque' for Owen. This kind gesture helps Owen stay connected to the show and to Maddy during a time of deep personal struggle.

As Brendan's condition worsens, Owen grows increasingly isolated and unable to share his love for 'The Pink Opaque,' not even with his dad. He reaches out to Maddy, who reveals her own struggles, including harsh rumors at school.

Time passes, and tragedy strikes as Owen's mother passes away, leaving him to grapple with grief and loss. The cancellation of 'The Pink Opaque' shortly after exacerbates his sense of abandonment and longing for joy.

A decade later, Owen finds himself living under his father's oppressive control while working at a local theater. He encounters Maddy, who arrives with tears in her eyes, expressing her desire to move on from her troubled past.

Despite their emotional reunion, Owen falters in his moment to reconnect with Maddy, who eventually slips away into the night. This fleeting encounter leaves Owen feeling haunted by missed opportunities and the pain of solitude.

Years later, Maddy returns unexpectedly, recounting the impact of 'The Pink Opaque' on their lives. This ignites within Owen a poignant realization about his own fears of mortality and the critical need to confront his reality.

In a moment of desperation, Owen begins to manifest extreme behavior, shattering the barrier between his bleak reality and the haunting finale of 'The Pink Opaque.' He confronts Frank, chanting a plea for liberation while grappling with his feelings of not belonging.

While in Phoenix, Arizona, Maddy devises a chilling plan to bury herself alive as a means of rebirth, fully embracing her complex identity. She believes this act will transform her consciousness into that of Tara from 'The Pink Opaque.'

In the wake of abandonment and his father's passing from a stroke, Owen continues to drown in melancholy at their family home. His monotonous life takes a toll, as he clings to childhood innocence while seeking solace from his grief.

Two decades later, Owen stumbles upon 'The Pink Opaque' on a streaming platform, only to find it has been stripped down to a childish version. This discovery brings up painful memories, reminding him of the joy that has long since faded.

During a birthday celebration at the family entertainment center, Owen's bottled emotions erupt, revealing his lingering fears of mortality. He contemplates his existence, crying out amidst the indifference of guests who fail to understand his turmoil.

In a moment of deep despair, Owen isolates himself in the bathroom, struggling with self-harm as he confronts the abyss of his existence. A glowing TV screen within his chest symbolizes his distorted reality as he grapples with his inner demons.

Ultimately, Owen emerges from the bathroom, attempting to mask his pain with insincere apologies to partygoers oblivious to his struggles. The disconnection highlights his internal battle as he retreats deeper into his loneliness.