After 'Coherence', Its Creator Made Another Genius Sci-Fi Gem – And You Slept on It
This sci-fi series from James Ward Byrkit, the creator of Coherence, is smarter than 90% of today's shows, and here's why every fan of the genre should pay attention to it.
James Ward Byrkit's Coherence is one of the most unique sci-fi movies of the 21st century that too few people know about. Even fewer viewers know about his other worthy project – the miniseries Shatter Belt.
The scripts of the four episodes are based on scientific ideas, conspiracy theories, and urban legends. Here is why Shatter Belt is worth watching for all fans of original science fiction, and particularly those who enjoyed Coherence.
What Is 'Shatter Belt' About?
The episodes in Shatter Belt are not connected by plot. Some episodes rethink modern problems: "The Hard Problem of Carl," for example, shows a near future in which artificial intelligence slowly zombifies people.
However, Byrkit excels most at lyrical stories about loneliness and the place of humans in world history. The second episode opens with a brilliant premise – journalists find an apple that is impossible to touch, no matter how hard they try.
The third episode does not include any sci-fi elements at all. It's a drama about how human memory works and the consequences of wanting to leave a legacy.
The final episode reflects on careerism while simultaneously exposing the vices of modern capitalist society.
'Shatter Belt' Is Not Your Typical High-Budget Sci-Fi TV Series
Each of the four episodes is about half an hour long, so you can watch them all in one evening. The episodes aren't overloaded with unnecessary information: the action takes place in several locations, and there are only a few characters on screen.
Byrkit impresses with the development of the plots rather than their scope. As in Coherence, the psychology of the characters is again at the forefront, with the actors improvising most of their lines.
All of this gives the impression that you are watching not just another high-budget streaming project, but a handmade project – from the unusual plot to the cast, where all the team members have known each other for years.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Shatter Belt'?
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Shatter Belt has 80% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.2/10.
Where to Watch 'Shatter Belt'?
Shatter Belt is available to stream on Tubi.
