Timestalker (Alive Lowe)

TimeStalker, directed by the talented Alice Lowe

I do not know Alice Lowe; I have had some small interactions over the years, from the odd tweets these days to the vague memory of her being in the groovy hip clique I created in my head. Swanning in the corner of some suave stylists with double acts like Oram & Meeten, moving from the creative space of the East Dulwich Tavern to being the Catherine Zeta-Jones of some Hoxtonian comedy elite. Where they all wear ironic cravats and, in the words of high fidelity, “Have opinions, politics and fashion that I wish I had”

But none of that is true. It is founded on what. IMDB? Liking revenge and sightseers? It’s a convenient rationale to carry on avoiding whatever I could do to improve my lot in comedy.

In ‘TimeStalker ‘, we follow Agnes as she grapples with the age-old problem of always falling for the wrong man. It’s almost like a reverse version of ‘Manniquin ‘, but as the journey of self-actualisation unfolds, it becomes clear that the romance is not in the destination, but in the film’s unique approach to the genre.

‘TimeStalker’ is a film that defies categorization. It’s a romp through time, a bit like ‘Timebandits ‘, with a touch of the absurdity of ‘Jabberwocky ‘, the wit of ‘Blackadder ‘, and the eerie neon lighting of a 70’s horror giallo. This unique blend of comedy styles, executed with finesse, will leave you both intrigued and excited.

TimeStalker is unapologetic in portraying Agnes as both a slave and agent of her own perpetual destruction. She’s not without choices but feels compelled each time. The film strikes a balance between naturalistic character portrayal and caricaturistic setting, allowing for performances that are both relatable and engaging.

The performances are excellent throughout the film. Nick Frost’s jilted and stilted emotional rutters should get special nods for being frighteningly raw nerve in some of the behaviour I have seen in my fellow single-middles-aged male peers. I have not stalked anyone, but I shouted at the elf service machine last week because I forgot to scan the lurk. I’m a work in progress.

I feel the film has not been loved in its entirety. The lack of distribution I see while some garish clown continues to flail at the biggest screens should be rectified by you as soon as you can.

I would say that, at most, this is a sketch show, a running gag, not so much narrativeless as an emotional dive and exploration. And with a killer song you will be humming along to on the way home.

It’s experimental and distinct in all the right places and totally deserves, if not your love. I would never be that possessive. But your attention. The film needs more viewers like you to appreciate its unique qualities, so I urge you to seek it out. Your viewership is important and valued.