Smith and costar Brigette Lundy-Paine also share their interpretations of the A24 film’s mind-bending conclusion.
Warning: The following article contains spoilers aboutI Saw the TV Glow, now in theaters.
Pink Opaquehive, rise up!
Justice Smith in ‘I Saw the TV Glow.'.Spencer Pazer/A24
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Your characters share such a unique and tight bond.
How did you develop that chemistry together?
We became friends when making the movie and that informed the dynamic in our comfort with each other.
Justice Smith and Brigette Lundy-Paine in ‘I Saw the TV Glow.'.A24
We had a lot of fun prancing and playing together.
By the time we get to those last scenes, the depth of their relationship is really clear.
Spencer Pazer/A24
Do either of you have a scene you share that stands out to you?
SMITH: That bleacher scene.
That was a lot of fun to shoot.
LUNDY-PAINE: Really fun to shoot.
Its so tense, and theres so much thats not being said.
Its definitely the most vulnerable scene between them.
Maddy and Owen bond over their love ofThe Pink Opaque.
What show or movie has bonded you with someone important in your life?
SMITH: We bonded overSpongebob.
LUNDY-PAINE: Who are we?
SMITH: Which characters are we?
Youre Spongebob and Im Patrick.
SMITH: Everyone always says Im Spongebob, but I do feel more like Patrick.
Brigette, you act opposite two actors playing Owen.
How did it feel to build the Maddy and Owen dynamic twice?
Then, when we got to work together, I was totally blown away.
The bleacher scene was the first time we were together.
What stands out to you from Owens final scenes?
This film taught me a lot about trusting myself and letting go.
Accepting that Im enough as I come, which is the antithesis of Owens arc.
When it came to the day, I decided to do whatever comes and honor the story beat.
Thats what my job is.
A24
Why do you think Owen doesnt go with Maddy?
What could Maddy have done to get him to believe her?
LUNDY-PAINE: I don’t think Maddie thought that she was going to get him underground.
She was trying her best, but you see it when shes watching him walk away.
Its a lose-lose situation.
Its a difficult choice that Owen has to make.
Is it worth risking everything youve built to be free?
We actually shot a different ending and I love this better.
Maybe now that he has proof, hell finally do what calls him.
LUNDY-PAINE: Free himself.
LUNDY-PAINE: I dont think its over for him.
Thats not really the point.
SMITH: It’s kind of a cautionary tale.
Heres a metaphorical representation of what happens when you don’t [choose to be free].
Yeah, that’s more eye-opening than something that’s tied up nicely in a bow.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
I Saw the TV Glowis in theaters now.
