We all need some form of intervention when we are living a certain way. However, if nobody else can help and you have a problem living, raise your A-game and rely on THE BYSTANDERS.
Peter Weir (Scott Haran) is your average IT geek. Lonesome most nights and probably as keen to find his fingers in a keyboard rather than look for online porn. However, when things get a little desperate, he suddenly finds himself thrust into the world of ‘The Bystanders’ with help from Morpheus-like figure Frank (Seann Walsh) who introduces him to his cohorts. Bystanders, you see are people immortal who are then to help the mere mortals struggling to get further ahead, even if it is two steps forward and one step back.
Into the mix come Luke (Andi Jashy) an inert ne’er-do-well who would give Wayne Slob a run for his money and Sarah (Georgia Mabel Clarke), an intern at Smut Records who isn’t exactly going to be Simon Cowell’s PA just yet, if at all.
Peter is given Sarah, whilst Frank gets Luke. Frank, none-too-happy that Luke is about as good as it gets in terms of productivity, decides to persuade Peter to swap with him so he can get a greener grass through Sarah. It’s a weird world they all exist in, but something has to give in some shape or form as is the manner of this universe we live in, especially when Luke and Sarah hit it off.
Quirky and amusing British indie comedy-fantasy, combining elements of Gilliam and alternate universe fare over the years, set against the backdrop of North London. Writer/director Gabriel Foster Prior with little or no reliance on visual FX shoots in a mix of colour and black-and-white in a tale that reflects on the very nature of connection and social acceptable which is endearing at times. Appeal will certainly be boosted by the presence of comedian and STRICTLY star Walsh who downplays his comedic touch here.
The Berlin Independent Film Festival runs from 16th – 19th February, 2023
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