Alice Lowe’s debut feature, Prevenge (2016), is a comedy slasher that is revered amongst horror (and comedy) fans. Having also co-wrote Sightseers (2012), the black comedy about two caravaners who go on a murder spree, there was some expectation about what to expect from Lowe next. A historical science fictional rom-com like Timestalker was definitely not on the bingo card.
Throughout the centuries, Agnes falls in love with the same man, and each time ends up dying, only to be reincarnated to relive the same scenario. Trapped in what feels like a never-ending loop, she must come to terms with the truth staring in the face the whole time.
As we journey through Agnes’ lives, however brief, meeting the same set of characters who morph with the times, we see her going through the motions forever stuck in a circle of being bored, lovestruck and finally dramatically killed. As time moves on, her obsession with Alex, in whatever persona he has taken on, morphs from admiration to obsession and very strangely her love for him becomes less acceptable. Agnes’s fortunes vary throughout the ages, until the 1980s when it appears she has hit rock bottom, whereas Alex steadily moves up in the world as time passes.
With a set cast of key characters who reappear, as well as a set of secondary ones, Timestalker does feel, at times, a much smaller story than it should be. Literally spanning centuries, the scope of the entire story is vast but the key players make Agnes’ world very small. It’s unclear whether this is a comment on the idea that ‘it’s a small world’ or that Agnes herself is not looking beyond those immediately in front of her given her fixation on Alex, but the scope of the story feels small.
However, the comedy and tone hit perfectly, through glances, grimaces, and matter-of-fact dialogue. There are laughs to be had throughout. Lowe’s comedic styling translates perfectly, as does the rest of the cast. Anyone familiar with Lowe’s work will enjoy the subtly and those unfamiliar will soon be accustomed to the comedic beats. Aside from the comedy, the other genres are well represented here as well. The unrequited romance, the science fiction that may or may not be just a half-arsed physic reading in the ’80s, as well as an enticing array of costume pieces to admire. Whichever time Agnes is portrayed in, there is always something to be delighted by.
Timestalker feels like a very mixed bag of genres, one that might not work on paper, but the bizarre narrative is very entertaining. With great performances from the cast, enjoyable comedy and an atmospheric soundtrack as well, there is something enticing about Timestalker that sets it apart from other comedic historical sci-fic rom-coms.
Timestalker is out in UK and Irish cinemas from 11th October 2024.