There have been a lot of streaming service original movies dropped this year. And some of them have been truly incredible, some have simply been streaming service content. Now A streaming service movie can be eligible for the Oscars but it still has to meet the same requirement as wide released films. The most important being that it has to be in a movie theatre for at least a week in 6 approved major cities. Obviously not a lot of these streaming service movies meet that requirement. That said, I think there should be a different set of rules for streaming service films. Because I Saw The TV Glow should be up for a few awards, but it won’t get the recognition that it deserves.
This movie, right off the bat, is visually distinct. It is very clear that they carved out a vision for themselves and there is a clear color palette and lighting set that they are working with.
Now as soon as I saw this kids face the first thing I thought was, “I see depression”. I don’t know if that was intentional or not but the blank stare at the tv really screamed deeply depressed to me.
Not loving that this older girl convinced this baby to sneak off without telling his parents where he was going to watch a tv show past his bedtime.
Even the fictional TV show is aggressively 90s…the font in the credits is literally the font they used in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They are also nailing the talking about 90s TV structure “monster of the week” was a common structure but “big bad” is so specifically Buffy. Not only did the concept of monster of the week with an overarching big bad kind of start with Buffy. But that actual term was in fact coined on the show.
We jumped two years but apparently our main character skipped puberty altogether and jumped about a decade. Still get major senses of depression.
Okay so dad sucks. And mom doesn’t have the strength to fight with him. From the head covering I’m gonna go with cancer.
The theme of this seems to be our relationship with media. It can save you. Especially through adolescence. Funny enough the show that saved me in high school was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Plenty of shows have saved me from my depression. The acting in this fake tv show is very Dawson’s Creek. The fake TV show is literally just fictional Buffy the Vampire Slayer…the main character quipping before she kills the demons kind of solidified that for me. That makes sense considering that it's one of the most influential shows of all time. And having the actual Tara in the movie is just wonderful.
This is very much a movie about mental health and how our mental health is affected by media. How the films and tv shows we love influence our lives and relationships. Now as someone who has been screaming that media doesn’t happen in a vacuum for years I love this message. Because it's reality. Since the beginning of time it has been proven through phycology, philosophy, and sociology that the human brain is deeply affected and changed by the media it consumes. What you find yourself attached to influences who you are. There is no “it's just a movie/tv show” or “it's not that deep” because it is literally always that deep. Therefore when we use media that we love as a crutch through our mental health struggles it can be just as harmful as it is helpful. I love that the visuals were consistent. I love that the message of the film was so clear and perfectly crafted.
About the Creator
Alexandrea Callaghan
Certified nerd, super geek and very proud fangirl.
Keep reading
More stories from Alexandrea Callaghan and writers in Geeks and other communities.
Agatha All Along
So last week’s episode of Agatha All Along was more than disappointing. It, like the fourth episode of WandaVision, will be skipped when it comes to rewatches. It was an unnecessary waste of time and the summation of poor media literacy. That said, this episode looks far more intriguing as all of our witches seem to be dressed up as iconic witches from media. So I am very interested in what this episode will hold and I am hopeful that the show can recover from the major bullshit that was the 6th episode.
By Alexandrea Callaghanabout a year ago in Geeks
Silver Screen Magic with Mae West
American actress and singer Mae West became a popular film actress during the Great Depression. She started entertaining in vaudeville, then performed on Broadway, and finally went to Hollywood. She signed up with Paramount Pictures and made her debut in the 1932 film “Night After Night.” She also starred in musicals, comedies, and crime dramas. The American Film Institute named her one of the best classic Hollywood actresses.
By Rasma Raisters6 days ago in Geeks
Michael Vartan
Michael Vartan has long been one of Hollywood’s most recognizable yet understated actors. Known for his charm, emotional range, and consistent performances, Vartan built a career that resonated strongly with television audiences, particularly during the early 2000s. While he may not dominate headlines today, interest in Michael Vartan now reflects how lasting his impact has been on fans who grew up watching his work. Early Life and Entry Into Acting Michael Vartan was born on November 27, 1968, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Raised between France and the United States, he grew up in a multicultural environment that shaped his worldview. His mother was an American artist, and his father was a French actor and writer, which gave him early exposure to the creative world. Before acting became a serious pursuit, Vartan worked behind the scenes in the film industry. He served as an assistant to directors, gaining firsthand experience with the mechanics of filmmaking. This background gave him a grounded understanding of storytelling—an element that later showed in the depth and restraint of his performances. Breakthrough Roles and Rising Popularity Michael Vartan’s acting career began in the 1990s with roles in films such as The Pallbearer and Never Been Kissed. While these projects introduced him to mainstream audiences, his true breakthrough came with television. In 2001, Vartan was cast as Michael Vaughn in the spy drama Alias. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, and his portrayal of the calm, morally driven CIA agent earned widespread praise. His on-screen chemistry with Jennifer Garner played a significant role in the series’ success and cemented Vartan’s status as a fan favorite. Alias allowed Michael Vartan to showcase more than just leading-man appeal. His character balanced action with emotional vulnerability, making him relatable despite the high-stakes spy narrative. For many viewers, this role remains the defining chapter of his career. Career After Alias Following the end of Alias, Michael Vartan continued working steadily in both television and film. He appeared in movies like Monster-in-Law and One Hour Photo, demonstrating his willingness to explore varied genres. On television, he took on leading and supporting roles in shows such as Hawthorne, Bates Motel, and The Arrangement. These performances reflected a shift toward more mature, nuanced characters, aligning naturally with his growth as an actor. Rather than chasing constant visibility, Vartan seemed selective, choosing projects that interested him creatively. This approach contributed to his reputation as a dependable and thoughtful performer rather than a celebrity driven by trends. Michael Vartan Now: Life Away From the Spotlight When people search for Michael Vartan now, they are often curious about why he appears less frequently on screens. The answer is not controversy or retirement, but balance. In recent years, Vartan has stepped back from high-profile roles, focusing more on personal life and selective professional opportunities. He has spoken openly in the past about the pressures of fame and the importance of mental health. This honesty resonated with fans and helped explain his quieter presence in Hollywood. Instead of constant exposure, Michael Vartan now represents a different model of success—one defined by longevity and personal well-being. Though he is not as active as he once was, he remains connected to the industry and continues to receive interest from both creators and audiences. His legacy ensures that his work is still revisited by new viewers discovering his shows through streaming platforms. Acting Style and Lasting Appeal What sets Michael Vartan apart is his subtlety. He is not known for over-the-top performances or dramatic transformations. Instead, his strength lies in emotional authenticity. Whether playing a spy, a doctor, or a troubled partner, his characters often feel grounded and believable. This realism helped him maintain relevance across different eras of television. His performances age well because they rely on human emotion rather than stylistic trends. For fans revisiting his work today, that quality remains just as compelling. Cultural Impact and Fan Connection While Michael Vartan may not dominate social media or entertainment news cycles, his fan base remains loyal. Online discussions, rewatch threads, and renewed interest in shows like Alias continue to introduce his work to younger audiences. His career serves as an example of how consistency and integrity can leave a lasting impression without constant self-promotion. In an industry that often rewards noise, Vartan’s quieter approach stands out. Final Thoughts Michael Vartan’s journey through Hollywood reflects a career built on steady growth, thoughtful choices, and respect for the craft of acting. From his early days behind the camera to his memorable television roles, he carved out a space that remains relevant even years later. For those wondering about Michael Vartan now, the answer is simple: he is living on his own terms, with a legacy already firmly established. His story reminds us that success in entertainment does not always mean being everywhere—it can also mean being remembered.
By Saboor Brohi 4 days ago in Geeks
A Dart at Dusk
Seconds ago, the sullen sun set on the two of us… my exuberant furry companion and me. A fresh breeze embraces us, delivering welcome relief from the day’s oppressive heat. His typical stumbling and staggering along — apace with a sloth — has turned into trip-trapping, high-stepping, almost skipping along.
By Angie the Archivist 📚🪶5 days ago in Petlife
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.