The Bystanders

When writing The Bystanders, Director Gabriel Foster Prior and co-writer Jack Hughes set out to transplant everything they love about classic British television comedies and work it into a format suitable for a feature-film. I am happy to say that The Bystanders accomplishes this excellently. Starring stand-up comedian Seann Walsh, Scott Haran (Wizard vs. Aliens), and Marek Larwood (The Tool) this comedy sci-fi debut has won awards during its circuit on film festivals - and it's not hard to see why.

The Bystanders is set in a world much like our own, except there's an alternate dimension. This dimension is inhabited by The Bystanders - invisible immortals who each watch over their assigned human subject and intervene with their lives. Some Bystanders take this occupation seriously, others take it superficially; and the film really shines in the moments where the dichotomy of these attitudes are highlighted with empathetic humour from Gabriel and Jack. Another interesting contrast that the film utilises is the way that the changes in perspective throughout the film (from Bystander to human) are signified by shots switching from black and white, to colour. Perhaps to some viewers this may be startling at first, but after a few switches it is barely noticeable and is a very effective way of silently communicating which dimension each part of the story is taking place. The smoothing of this transition - in my opinion - is aided by the artistically vibrant rotoscoping effects implemented throughout, which both writers lovingly drew themselves.

The humour in The Bystanders tiptoes that beautiful line between the surreal and the terrestrial reminiscent of Red Dwarf, and A Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy. Mixed with an excellent retro sci-fi score composed by Foz Foster which is robust with theremin and spring reverb, complimenting the film with nostalgic Doctor Who vibes. Comedy and sci-fi fans alike will appreciate the films wit, which shines a light on (and sometimes mirrors) life in the modern world, and 'what ifs' the existence of intervention from fate.

Bystanders - the invisible folk who watch over us, guiding us through the troubles of life.

As a sci-fi situational comedy movie, The Bystanders excels and creating hilarious situations, never quite pushing too far past it's unserious tone - no matter what stakes are involved, the film always manages to balance it's comedy and story brilliantly. The humour feels like it was pulled out of a 2000s British comedy tv series.

I also have to point out, I took a strong liking to the 2D special effects used to convey teleportation, and the B&W filter was a great touch.

With a strong script, brilliant performances, and a captivating score (with some quality cinematography as an extra treat), The Bystanders is a fun, well-crafted piece of British independent filmmaking.

Loved this film - hilarious and original idea about if being a guardian angel was kind of like a dead end job that reminds me of naughties comedies and the Sean of the Dead era. The cast was great - Seann Walsh was funny and also sympathetic and kind of loveable. There are also some hilarious side characters played by other really funny and underrated comedians like Marek Larwood - he's so deadpan and it really works. Love the silly humour and creative vibe with fun animations that give it a unique style. I saw it at London sci-fi fest and believe it's now touring cinemas so go catch it on the big screen!

A razor sharp comedic script and a fresh creative premise make this an extremely entertaining film. I'm not really a fan of Seann Walsh but his portrayal of a manipulative arsehole is spot on, and in fact all the acting in this displays great deadpan comedic skills. The film looks fantastic- director Foster has camera angles to spare, and cleverly uses monochrome vs colour to distinguish between the "real" world and the Bystanders alternative dimension view of it. On top of that there's a sprinkling of cartoonish special effects, some great sight gags (the CV of someone who's never had a job, the Bystanders' uniform descriptions) and a spookily atmospheric soundtrack. Absolutely loved it and looking forward to what this new director does next.

What a crackin' gem of a film. If we do have bystanders then mine defo has off days! I love so much of this feature, from the use of desaturated images and hand drawn teleportation effects, to the dead pan comedy, which was delightful.(I have watched too many serious films lately). The montage in another dimension in the pub is a favourite scene but please don't be tempted to try those cocktails in the real world!

It has a great cast and the director is clearly talented! I am looking forward to seeing where he goes from here. This film has obviously done well on the festival circuit and I am sure it is now destined to do well on digital platforms.

Add this to your watchlist NOW!!