Alice Lowe: I Aim to Create Something Timeless
In our fast-paced digital era, expectations for filmmakers have skyrocketed. If a director doesn’t release a new film every couple of years, audiences bombard the internet with questions about their absence: “Whatever happened to them?” or “Are they okay?” This obsession can border on the bizarre. British filmmaker and actress Alice Lowe, now presenting her second feature film, Timestalker, reflects on this phenomenon while crafting a unique narrative that diverges from the norm.
Lowe’s new work is a profound exploration of romantic obsession, eliciting both laughter and introspection. The journey behind Timestalker has been anything but simple; she acknowledges the challenges faced by filmmakers, especially while juggling personal commitments. Having created her micro-budget debut, Prevenge, in 2016 with one child, she’s now balancing two, each demanding more of her time and energy. “You often see male directors at festivals without their kids,” she shares. “That’s a tough dynamic when you’re the primary caregiver.”
This distinctive personal touch is evident in Timestalker, born out of a lengthy and heartfelt process. Any delays were compounded by the Covid pandemic, but for Lowe, the stakes feel high. “After lockdown, I feared I might not make another film,” she reflects. “Many female directors struggle to create a second feature.”
The film tackles our constant chase for unattainable desires—with mortality serving as a poignant backdrop. “I wanted to address the theme of mortality,” she explains. “I approached this project as if it were my final opportunity. The narrative becomes a metaphor for filmmaking itself.”
In Timestalker, Lowe takes on the role of Agnes, a witty character navigating various historical timelines—from the Dark Ages to the early 1980s—while grappling with her complicated romantic pursuits. Her journey oscillates between humor and deep emotional complexity, examining the sometimes agonizing consequences of her choices. “I’ve seen love drive people to madness,” Lowe notes. “There’s an odd admiration for those who cling to their beliefs, especially in a world where faith often feels obsolete.”
Agnes is not your typical protagonist; her violent tendencies and repeated mistakes complicate her character. Lowe argues that criticism of “unlikable characters” often stems from a misunderstanding of depth and complexity in storytelling. “I think people perceive my work as eccentric,” she admits. “But I’m invested in broad appeal. I want people to engage with my films. My roots in live performance drive me to ensure audiences are moved by their experiences.”
Staying away from contrived plot devices, Lowe intentionally forgoes a singular focus for Agnes’ misadventures, instead drawing inspiration from widely recognizable human experiences. “I researched various religions and concepts of karma and reincarnation,” she reveals. “I aimed to create characters that are archetypes rather than clichés—and there’s a lot of influence from Tarot and Commedia dell’arte.”
British cinema legends Powell and Pressburger inspired Lowe’s vibrant vision, urging her to reintroduce color and magic to contemporary movies. “It boils down to belief,” she emphasizes. “Even if it’s not religious, some notion of faith is essential.”
Both Prevenge and Timestalker feature characters that attempt to conceal their true selves, grappling with societal expectations. “Much of the narrative explores identity,” she shares. “It’s about wearing masks, particularly when the character stands against the conventional image of a pregnant woman seeking autonomy.”
Lowe sees Timestalker as a reflection of her inner world—a concoction of memories and dreams that asks crucial questions about the future of filmmaking. “I genuinely wonder if I’ll be able to create more films like this,” she admits.
This apprehension lingers, as Lowe frequently revisits the idea of preserving individuality in an age when much content is churned out by committees and artificial intelligence encroaches on creative realms. “It’s about embracing that quirky identity,” she sums up. “Acknowledging your tastes, regardless of what others might think, is viewed as a risk today.”
In a world saturated with content and disconnected projects, Lowe’s commitment to her artistic vision sets her apart. Timestalker promises to resonate deeply, capturing the intricate dance between love, madness, and the human experience. As she continues to weave her stories, she remains hopeful that genuine artistic expression will find its place in the future of cinema.