TV Review: SHATTER BELT: Season 1, Episodes 2-4 [SXSW 2023]

Shatter Belt Season 1, Episodes 2-4 Review

Shatter Belt: Season 1, Episodes 2-4 TV Show Review. Episodes 2-4 of James Ward Byrkit’s compelling new show, Shatter Belt were unveiled at the 30th Annual South by Southwest Film Festival. A mind trip that feels wholly unique in its concept, Byrkit’s latest show featured three intriguing and completely different concepts in the episodes which were displayed at the South by Southwest Festival. Not surprisingly, the best of the three episodes viewed was the one starring the great Patton Oswalt. That episode (which is Episode 3) is titled “The Specimen.” The fact that Oswalt’s episode was the standout does not make the other two any less intriguing to watch, however.

Episode 2 is titled “Immotus” and is the story of an apple that doesn’t seem capable of movement. Through exposure on the web, the fact that this very unusual apple has gone viral leads to some interesting plot developments as people show up and try to see if they can move the apple themselves. There is, of course, a decoy apple, if you will, which makes people think they can do the impossible. The true apple is located at the unique start-up company where the episode takes place. J.J. Nolan stars in the episode as Sloane Raymond and gives the viewer a quirky and enjoyable performance as she must control a group of people anxious to do something nobody else seems capable of doing. All the zaniness of this episode of Shatter Belt leads to a hilariously weird finale with an arrow going through somebody in a very distinct and very disturbing manner. Given the shocking intensity of this episode, saying less is actually better than saying more about the particular plot developments that occur. You’ll want to see just who shoots that arrow and how it ends up where it ends up. You won’t be disappointed.

“The Specimen” shows us a darker side to Patton Oswalt than we’re used to seeing through his character in this particularly grim at times episode. Oswalt plays Dervey Ryan, a writer who is aging and doesn’t have too many shots left at great success in his life. Dervey works at a car repair shop but yearns for fame and success and neglects the people in his life who seem to matter most because of his false ideals of happiness. Fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be if it will come at the price Dervey may have to pay for it. Oswalt’s story is juxtaposed against a tale of two museum workers on a mission of their own. If nothing else, Oswalt’s emotional go-for-broke turn here will keep the viewer riveted throughout with some truly surprising plot twists interspersed in the story. Oswalt doesn’t let go of his character’s intensity and makes Dervey one of his most well-thought-out creations. He’s more true to life than we may care to admit.

Episode 4 is titled “Pearls” and features the great Abigail Spencer as a character known as Ramina. This part of the series makes for an excellent companion piece to the recent film, The Menu in its story of seemingly wealthy people paying an incredible amount of money for a meal that will forever alter their lives. A group of people get together and the final result has a key character vomiting pennies among other very frightening situations. To say revealing less is better than revealing more would be a whopping understatement here especially if you have not seen The Menu. “Pearls” may have a happy ending to some and a truly twisted one for others. It’s a revolting story, to be sure, but you will not be able to take your eyes off the screen.  It’s certainly a captivating episode and Spencer steals every scene she gets a chance to with a remarkable characterization. Spencer brings much depth to Ramina and makes us respect her more than we may want to despite her flaws.

If Shatter Belt ultimately works, it’s because of the efforts of both the creator and the chosen cast members. Each lead star of the three episodes which were viewed offered compelling reasons to stick through the entire episode with Oswalt the obvious standout of the bunch. Oswalt is coming off last year’s remarkable turn in the South by Southwest fave, I Love My Dad and is truly an actor with great range who isn’t afraid of taking on roles that other actors may be hesitant to take on.

While the thought-provoking Shatter Belt isn’t going to be for everyone, those who like obscurity will find it tremendously appealing. Terrific acting coupled with fascinating premises make it rise above the rest as it offers a totally surreal viewing experience.

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