Film

SXSW 2024: Meat Puppet Review

A standout feature of this year’s Midnighters Program at SXSW was Meat Puppet.

Directed by Eros V, Meat Puppet unfolds with Oz Franklin (David Jonsson) immersed in his world of action figures at home, while his girlfriend (Máiréad Tyers) frantically calls him from their graduation ceremony, puzzled by his absence. Oz, perpetually embracing his inner child, disregards her calls and instead answers the door to a mysterious package.

Believing he ordered another round of toys, Oz accepts the delivery and eagerly opens the box, only to reveal a Sesame Street-style Muppet dressed in dirty clothes and adorned with satanic markings. Despite his better judgment (a recurring trend with Oz), he impulsively puts his hand inside the Muppet, unleashing chaos.

What’s remarkable about Meat Puppet is the evident amount of love and care poured into the film. The script is tight, the dialogue sharp and witty, and the scene transitions reminiscent of watching an Edgar Wright film. With brilliant comedic timing from both Jonsson and Tyers, Meat Puppet stands as one of the standout films at SXSW. I’ll be eagerly anticipating future projects from Eros V.

 

★ ★ ★ ★ out of 4

 

This review was originally published as part of our SXSW coverage. Photo Credit: Meat Puppet film

Dave

Dave is a part-time writer living in the Lower East Side. He enjoys reading and watching all things Science Fiction. His favorites include: Pushing Ice, The Martian, Stargate, Coherence, and The Expanse.

Recent Posts

Exclusive Interview: Filmmaker Ash Avildsen and Star Emily Bett Rickards Talk ‘Queen of the Ring’

Filmmaker Ash Avildsen and star Emily Bett Rickards pin their talents against the backdrop of…

17 hours ago

Exclusive Interview: Dylan Sprouse and Mason Gooding Discuss Portraying Duality and High-Octane Action in ‘Aftermath’

In the gripping thriller Aftermath, Dylan Sprouse and Mason Gooding face off as formidable opponents…

2 days ago

Exclusive Interview: Jordana Brewster on Navigating the Twists and Turns of ‘Cellar Door’

Jordana Brewster has long captivated audiences with her ability to disappear into each character she…

2 days ago

Exclusive Interview: Marcel Cunningham, Andy King, and Christopher Shulstad Discuss the Final Face-Off in ‘The Anonymous’

Marcel Cunningham, Andy King, and Christopher Shulstad were three of the final four contenders on…

1 week ago

Win Tickets to a NYC Screening of Blitz

Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Apple TV+ to give away tickets to…

1 week ago

After a Two-Year Hiatus, Brynn Elliott’s “Shiny Happy People” Signals a Fresh Start

After a two-year hiatus, singer-songwriter Brynn Elliott is stepping back into the spotlight with a…

1 week ago