Timestalker

The concept was a good one but failed in its execution, At the same time the acting was surprisingly good - at least up to the point I fell asleep and had to rewatch 30 minutes, The script was mediocre, the title misleading.

Watchable visually in terms of changing scenes and time periods and entertaining in parts for sure, with a few early laughs, but ultimately it turned into a yawn fest, like one of those experimental worthy Channel 4 movies circa 1983.

If it's supposed to be a comedy it's not funny enough. If it's supposed to be romantic, it isn't in the slightest. If it's supposed to sci-fi, it's low-fi. Odd for the sake of it and the gore is unnecessary when portraying the main character dying over and over again., Subtlety would have worked better. Could have been a genuine cult classic but missed the target, if you pardon the knife-throwing pun : A lost opportunity that turned into a mish-mash.

After watching "Timestalker," written and directed by Alice Lowe, I am eager to explore more of her films, particularly "Prevenge," which I have been aware of for some time but have yet to watch. This British black comedy/romance was truly a breath of fresh air, offering a refreshing perspective that felt original, humorous, poignant, and romantic. It was an absolutely brilliant and imaginative film. I found it exhilarating to experience a story that presented concepts and narratives I had not encountered before, despite having viewed numerous films throughout my life, particularly in the horror and dark comedy genres. If you are in search of a unique viewing experience that promises to entertain, I wholeheartedly believe this film will not disappoint.

Quirky Brit dark-comedienne Alice Lowe follows her fine writer / director debut "Prevenge" (after previously co-writing "Sightseers") with the ambitious "Timestalker" whose quirkiness disappointingly so out-weighs its dark comedy that it flops, badly. She plays various re-incarnated ladies over several different centuries whose only similarity seems to be that while plagued by Nick Frost their obsessive love for Aeurin Barnard causes their death (as witnessed by Jacob Anderson & Tanya Reynolds). The ultimate point is perhaps known only to Lowe, which may not've mattered if the film was funny... but no it's not - so this is sadly a low for Lowe.

What a wild film!

The synopsis drew me to the cinema, and the opening scene set the comedy in motion. Some of the audience gasped, some chuckled, but it made everyone pay attention.

The story progressed through the ages, with some wild ideas, and the final denouement was well hidden.

Cinematography was polished and effective, with surreal and 'period drama' scenes intermingled to keep you awake and alert.

As I came away, I was trying to make sense of the overall story and the macro level messages embedded in there, but to be honest, a second viewing would be more helpful, as there is so much happening that just needs to be observed before you can engage your brain to analyse the big picture.

I liked the sci fi notion that someone can be reincarnated and still in pursuit of a lover from a previous life. Asimov would have recognised the idea 'across space and time' The sets and scenes were just, well, good fun. But the end was satisfyingly modern in reaffirming girl power and challenging the idea that males rule.

Based on an interesting and fun premise, the idea of love/infatuation transcending time and multiple lives, this movie is enjoyable and benefits from some good performances. It is let down by its lack of budget and often looks and feels like a film. The decision to set the latter part in New York seems a strange one as the scenery never looks or feels like New York and ends up being a bit jarring.

Alice Lowe gives a strong performance as the lead character trying to understand and navigate the memories of multiple lives and her obsession with a man who never seems to have any idea who she is.

If you enjoyed Lowe's previous movies, Sightseers and Prevenge, you'll enjoy this.