I Saw the TV Glow is an idiosyncratic sci-fi psychological drama that is an allegory for queer, specifically gender, repression.  The film is not explicitly horrific, instead favoring subtlety. The film's horror isn’t depicted onscreen but suggests instead that the scariest thing a person can do is live a life that is not their own. I Saw the TV Glow is explicitly queer but the theme of being disingenuous to your authentic self applies to non-queer folks as well. The film, however, will especially resonate with closeted people or those refined to the wrong gender. I Saw the TV Glow is a transgender awakening story – or rather more astute - a cautionary tale about the consequences of repressing who you truly are.