Timestalker Review – A Journey of Emotion and Insight
Directed by Alice Lowe and featuring performances from Lowe, Nick Frost, and Tanya Reynolds, Timestalker emerges as an evocative cinematic experience. After a seven-year hiatus since her previous work, Prevenge, anticipation is high for Lowe’s latest creation, and it certainly delivers.
Timestalker bursts with originality and profound humor, a blend that leaves a lasting impression. Initial viewing offers a glimpse into a story rich with depth and emotion, while a second engagement reveals its more melancholic layers. Lowe’s sophomore feature is a testament to her imaginative capabilities, blending soul-searching themes with sharp comedy.
In this film, viewers meet Agnes, a downtrodden spinster in the Middle Ages, who finds herself trapped in a monotonous routine. The narrative takes a fantastical turn when she pricks her finger, igniting a chaotic romantic adventure filled with unreciprocated love. As she develops an infatuation with a charming rebel priest, played by Aneurin Barnard, fate takes a darkly comedic twist that complicates her quest.
Lowe cleverly crafts the story with a series of unique variations in settings and timelines, each presenting different facets of Agnes’ attempts at connection. The film’s whimsical nature invites viewers to immerse themselves in an imaginative world, characterized by eclectic characters, including Nick Frost in a humorous role and Jacob Anderson as a Cheshire Cat-like guide to Agnes.
With minimal resources, Lowe and her team create a striking atmosphere through artistic production design and a dreamlike quality that evokes nostalgia. The film’s title, Timestalker, may initially mislead audiences into expecting a high-octane thriller, yet it gradually unveils its deeper, introspective themes, revealing the complexity of Agnes’ journey through generational trauma.
As a writer and director, Lowe showcases her talent for delivering humor alongside poignant commentary, and the film resonates on multiple levels. It recalls the ethereal quality of Sally Potter’s Orlando while standing as a distinct voice in the film landscape, marrying comedy and emotional depth.
In conclusion, Timestalker is more than just a film; it is a reflection of the nuances of love and longing, brilliantly executed by Alice Lowe. This insightful work invites audiences to explore the intricate web of human experience, affirming Lowe’s place among the notable talents of contemporary cinema.