Mikes Film Talk

The 2024 dark romantic comedy Timestalker is a gem. However, the film tells us that reincarnation can be a killer. Alice Lowe kills it here, despite the somewhat meandering end. I enjoyed this as much as the 2012 dark comedy Sightseers, which she also wrote. Timestalker is a time hopping tale of unrequited love, reincarnation and death.

Over and over again.

Timestalker Story

It is 1688 and Agnes falls for Alex instantly. Unfortunately she dies before anything can be done about it. So it goes that each time she returns, she finds Alex only to die.

Horribly.

The Cast

Alice Lowe is Agnes.

Jacob Anderson is Scipio.

Nick Frost is George.

Tanya Reynolds is Meg.

Aneurin Barnard is Alex.

Kate Dickie is Marion.

Let’s Talk Timestalker

Agnes travels through time, via reincarnation, to chase after Alex, her ideal man. She first meets him in 1688 and she dies a dreadful death, allowing her instant love to escape his fate.

Critics have been pretty dismissive of Lowe’s latest effort. Perhaps the problem is that they have not been paying attention. There are overtly comic moments to be sure. However, the rest of the film relies upon subtle humour. The film builds on the premise of reincarnation. Everyone, it seems, has a chance to reappear; starting from 1688, when Agnes first encounters Alex.

It Works

Timestalker works. It aims to be funny and it is. Blackly comic in nature, as is Lowe’s other work, the film tickles the ribs easily. *I will admit, I adore this woman’s talent for writing and acting comedy. Sightseers made me into a lifelong fan.*

There have been claims that the film becomes sloppy by its finish and wanders, leaving loose ends. I disagree. If the Timestalker and its ending becomes confusing to some, they should understand the subject matter. It is, as I’ve said before, about the vagaries of reincarnation. This is not a cut and dried process. Agreeably, it does meander at the end, but it feels apropos.

In a cultural belief where one returns based on their present life, apparently you could return as a butterfly; Kafka. If you were very “bad?” Perhaps as a worm. Anyone not believing in this system of “coming back” will understand immediately that this is not an exact science.

Heart Over Head

Agnes allows her heart to overpower her head. Instinctively, she follows the impulse to stalk Alex in all her lives. Despite the fact that the result is something far less than desired, she does not stop. Granted, she does not remember precisely what happens all the previous times. Her memories are scattered and partial. Although she does remember George’s ancestry at one point.

The Verdict

I enjoyed the heck out of Timestalker; a full 4.5 star film. Again, I am a huge fan of Alice Lowe and love her work. *Speaking of being an aged “fanboy,” I am now a fan of Tanya Reynolds. If they do any biopics of Audrey Hepburn, she should star as the iconic actress. She has that look.*

The film is funny and worth the time spent watching it. Timestalker is streaming on Prime right now. Head on over and check it out. You can thank me later.

The Trailer