Lost and Spaced

Edgy, broody, unsympathetic, bitter – and that’s just the protagonist. There is no forgiveness when it comes to Roozbeh Tavakoli’s award-winning black comedy Lost and Spaced. Running at just under one hour, this feature film situates Nathan, a young musician trying to make his way in London, who witnesses a heinous Mafia crime. As he flees the scene, his life spirals even further out of control. Tavakoli’s film combines humour with turmoil as Nathan struggles to balance the different parts of his existence.

At first, we are provided with a relatable coming-of-age narrative of a young musician in London. The cinematography is both artsy and compelling as it conveys the very recognisable setting of South East London. Most scenes in the film are shot in Greenwich on the same road, which was merely for budgetary reasons, but actually does one better and allows the feature to feel authentically English. UK viewers can see the markings of their capital city and the behind-the-scenes that Nathan’s story provides. There is a forced recognition of the challenges that he experiences throughout the film.

A continually shaky camera adds to the vibe of events being all-consuming for Nathan, as multiple scenes of confusion provide insight into his internal mental state. He cannot let his guard down and so paranoia is the driving force for his actions, often leaving little to no space for rationality. This, combined with funky editing and a clever and comedic script keeps the film exciting. We learn that he is haunted by his former psychiatrist, whilst also being confronted by a new danger of having to hide from the mafia and so he lays low. With this, he finds help in unconventional places which suggests that his story is one of survival and we are simply along for the ride.

Haunted by the feelings and memories of his past certainly impacts Nathan’s present, as animated scenes warp these beyond normal recognition. Abstract scenes are clouded with confusion as he attempts to make repairs in his head and also process present events. With excellent comedic timing, as well as compelling emotion, Joel Phillimore is able to portray a Nathan who has lost sight of everything that he once found valuable – perhaps even his sense of self.

Ultimately, Lost and Spaced has some very intriguing twists and turns during the course of an hour which point to a story that is very much one man’s continuous downfall. Whilst the story only intensifies with its obscurity, it maintains its ability to be an entertaining dark comedy that focuses on the conflict between delusion and reality. Whilst one overall clear meaning or message is unclear, maybe that is the point – maybe Nathan is just in too deep and can no longer find his way towards redemption or resolution. Either way, Tavakoli’s overpowering feature is certainly one to watch.