Nerdly » ‘Time Travel Is Dangerous’ Review

14th Mar2025

‘Time Travel Is Dangerous’ Review

by Kevin Haldon

Stars: Ruth Syratt, Megan Stevenson, Brian Bovell, Stephen Fry, Johnny Vegas, Sophie Thompson, Guy Henry, Jane Horrocks, Mark Heap, Tony Way | Written by Chris Reading, Anna-Elizabeth, Hillary Shakespeare | Directed by Chris Reading

Time Travel Is Dangerous is about to become your new favourite British sci-fi comedy blending mockumentary stylings with surreal, low-budget charm. Directed by Chris Reading and co-written with Anna-Elizabeth and Hillary Shakespeare, the latter two of those names, are no strangers to this reviewer.

Time Travel Is Dangerous stars Ruth Syratt and Megan Stevenson as fictionalized versions of themselves, running a vintage shop in Muswell Hill. The premise is delightfully absurd: the duo stumbles upon a discarded fairground dodgem that just so happens also to be a time machine, which they use to “borrow” historical artefacts to sell in their shop, as time travel movies have told us in the past though this has catastrophic consequences due to their meddling with the fabric of the universe. Narrated by Stephen Fry and featuring a stacked ensemble of British comedy talent—including Johnny Vegas, Sophie Thompson, Guy Henry, Jane Horrocks, Mark Heap, and Tony Way – this indie gem is a chaotic, heartfelt ode to friendship and the dangers of time travel.

The film opens in the quaint, slightly mundane setting of Muswell Hill, Ruth and Megan’s vintage shop struggles to make rent. Their discovery of the time machine—a souped-up dodgem abandoned for disposal—sets the stage for a series of increasingly ridiculous time-travel escapades. From stealing Victorian lamps to snagging 1980s bum bags, their trips to the past are initially played for laughs, with a mockumentary format that includes deadpan “interviews” with the protagonists and other characters, such as members of the Muswell Hill Science Club, who created the time machine and are horrified by its misuse.

The plot does take a slightly darker turn when their time-travelling antics begin to unravel the universe, culminating in an interdimensional fissure and Megan being trapped in “The Unreason,” a sort of Terry Gilliam-esque setting crossed with a sense of Mad Hatter nightmare netherworld in which a convoluted game is played for eternity. Ruth, with the help of the science club and a host of quirky side characters, must navigate the chaos to rescue her friend, all while the film balances its absurd humour with surprisingly poignant moments of emotional growth and true friendship.

Ruth Syratt and Megan Stevenson, playing themselves (sort of) are the heart of the film. Their natural chemistry and impeccable comedic timing anchor the shenanigans, making their friendship feel genuine and endearing. Considering neither actress has a lot to show by way of acting experience, they more than hold their own against a cast of seasoned performers, at times even stealing scenes from household names, a testament to their charisma and the film’s extremely clever writing. Their portrayal of lovable, slightly dim-witted underachievers is both hilarious and relatable, especially as they Forest Gunp their way through historical periods with a perfect mix of ignorance and enthusiasm.

The supporting cast is a who’s who of British comedy royalty, each bringing their unique flair to the chaos. Stephen Fry’s narration is truly delicious, his warm, authoritative voice providing a perfect counterpoint to the film’s lo-fi aesthetic and surreal humour. Brian Bovell, as Ralph, a science club member with a traumatic past tied to the time machine, delivers a nuanced performance that blends dry humour with emotional depth. Guy Henry is as Guy Henry as only Guy Henry can be and really strikes that balance of losing control of the situation around him. Tony Way’s Peter, a perpetual comic relief character, is consistently hilarious, riffing off the chaos nonchalantly. Other standouts include Mark Heap as a power-hungry bureaucrat and Sophie Thompson, whose manic energy adds to the film’s frenetic pace.

Time Travel Is Dangerous lives and breathes in its Britishness, drawing heavily on the tradition of surreal, self-aware comedy seen in works like The Office, Spaced, and Monty Python. The humour is dry, witty, and packed with throwaway gags, from Ruth and Megan’s casual disregard for the time-space continuum to the science club’s bizarre inventions (rocket boots, a dream recorder, an invisibility cloak used for eavesdropping). The mockumentary format enhances the deadpan delivery, with characters breaking the fourth wall to offer absurd explanations for their actions.

Visually, the film embraces its low-budget roots, with practical effects and an ‘80s-inspired aesthetic that adds to its charm. The time-travel sequences are deliberately scrappy, while not ever feeling cheap, with costumes and sets that feel like they were pulled from an actual charity shop, BUT all of this is to say this DIY approach works in the film’s favour, amplifying its quirky, anything-goes vibe. The film’s pacing is on point apart from a couple of times we seem to put on the brakes only to then come in with bursts of comic energy.

I will say that underneath the silliness, Time Travel Is Dangerous explores surprisingly real themes. The film uses time travel as a metaphor for escapism, with Ruth and Megan’s trips to the past driven by their financial struggles and desire to avoid the mundanity of their present lives. Their friendship, tested by the consequences of their actions or more so their inactions, becomes the emotional core of the story, with moments of vulnerability and growth that resonate with any viewer.

The film also touches on trauma and insecurity, particularly through Ralph’s arc, as he confronts his past experiences with the time machine. These deeper elements are handled with a light touch, never overshadowing the comedy but adding a layer of complexity that elevates the film beyond a mere quirky British comedy.

Time Travel Is Dangerous’s greatest strength is its infectious sense of fun. It’s packed with visual gags, absurdist flourishes, and a genuine affection for its characters and setting. The ensemble cast delivers, and the script is sharp, finding humour in the smallest details of British life. Its low-budget ingenuity and knowing winks to classic sci-fi (from Back to the Future to Time Bandits) make it feel like a love letter to the genre.

Time Travel Is Dangerous is a plucky, brave, silly, and thoroughly entertaining indie gem that punches well above its weight. It’s not a perfect film, but its ambition, heart, and sheer comic energy make it a joy to watch. For fans of British comedy, surreal sci-fi, and low-budget ingenuity, it’s a must-see, destined for cult status. While it won’t be for everyone—the silly is strong, and the nonsense is unrelenting—those who embrace its quirks will find a hilarious and ultimately uplifting exploration of friendship and the perils of meddling with time.