“An off-the-wall comedy set in the world of the Bystanders – invisible immortals who watch over their human subjects and intervene in (or interfere with) their lives.”
Every now and then you come across a film that few people have seen, or may see, upon initial release that has the potential to be a sleeper hit and become a cult classic. Often these are low-budget affairs, and occasionally they are undeniably niche films.
That is all the case with “The Bystanders.” It is a low-budget movie, in the almost unique space of being a genuinely heartfelt and funny sci-fi film that is so quintessentially British it could not possibly have been made anywhere else. As niches go they do not get much more nichey. But please, do not let any of that put you off. This is such a great film that will, if you are anything like me, make you start to understand a lot of life’s little mysteries that just did not make sense before.
One of the best things about this film is the two main stars. Seann Walsh plays Frank, a Bystander, who recruits Peter, played by Scott Haran, to be a Bystander. Seann, obviously known primarily for his extremely funny stand-up, plays the role of a person who has seemingly given up, but still has a job to do. It is interesting to watch a comedian take on a role in a film like this, because their funny nature can sometimes bleed through and take away from the performance.
Not this time… Seann absolutely lands the world-weariness of Frank, and it is a genuinely enjoyable performance. Peter, on the other hand, is an overachieving nerd, new to the role of Bystander, who thinks he can make a massive difference despite being a rookie. Scott looks like he had a lot of fun with this character, and it was fascinating watching the journey he went through.
The film’s writers, Gabriel Foster Prior and Jack Hughes, must have had a riot producing this. I can almost picture them bouncing ideas off each other over late-night curries, and early morning leftovers. Part of me suspects lack of sleep accounting for some of the utterly bonkers, but funniest parts, of what is a really well-written, if simple, script.
Prior is also the director of the film and has given us a properly solid directorial effort. His big chair choices, including his use of assorted styles and colour palettes, work so well to highlight exactly how mind-bakingly odd this world of his is. The decision to use animation to highlight the times the Bystanders use their powers was a really basic, but utterly clever, way of adding to this general sense of madness. I love it.
Overall, this is a great independent film that, sadly, probably won’t get the audience reach it honestly deserves. If you see this in a cinema near you I would say to go and give it a chance. I think you’ll definitely see something in it you’ll recognise about your everyday life. It does have a few moments of pathos, as well as humour, and it all blends together seamlessly.
It’s getting a 4/5, with a high recommendation to see it if the opportunity comes to you. Don’t just be a Bystander…
The Bystanders will be released in UK cinemas from 3rd November.
Check out the new exclusive interview with director Gabriel Foster Prior.
Seann Walsh absolutely lands the world-weariness of Frank
Movie title: The Bystanders (2023)
Movie description: An off-the-wall comedy set in the world of the Bystanders - invisible immortals who watch over their human subjects and intervene in (or interfere with) their lives.
Date published: October 29, 2023
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 37m
Director(s): Gabriel Foster Prior
Actor(s): Seann Walsh, Lucy Pinder, Emily Wyatt, Frank Harper
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi
