Synopsis
Eighteen year old Lark must decide to live or die. The government offers immortality to all citizens in the form of "I.S.," a death vaccine. As a result, births are no longer allowed, unless a life is donated to the child.
Amidst the world's changes, Lark longs to escape her desolate hometown. She lives only for her friends Max and Carrie, whom she entertains with her captivating stories. Troubled by her traumatic past, permanent school closings, and the death of her dreams, Lark stubbornly indulges in fantasy. When Carrie gets pregnant, Lark must embrace reality and help find a life donor for the baby. Time is the enemy, as they comb through a world of immortals to find one selfless soul.
The Timemaker is a handmade, independent feature film written and directed by Jessica Oberhausen, and starring Jessica Oberhausen, Benjamin Ortiz, and Cristiana Barbatelli.
This heart-wrenching coming-of-age tale takes place in a new kind of science fiction world that drives humanity's big questions to the surface: "Is it worth living forever? What if it means leaving everyone I love behind? But what if my end comes too soon and I'm a failure?"
This movie was made for you. If you've ever loved friends like they're family or kissed your first love on the sidewalk in front of your house. If you've ever been so scared that you shut off or wondered in moments of quiet loneliness, "Am I enough?" The makers of this project have come together to bring you the answers that three friends found and to speak to your heart as you experience the journey with them. Somewhere along the way, you'll see yourself, because at the core of its being, The Timemaker is your story, a human story.
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Q & A Guide to the World of The Timemaker
Who is Lark?
Lark is an eighteen year old girl. She is intelligent, sensitive, playful, loyal, and beyond all else, a dreamer. Lark was the star of all of her high school and junior high plays. She loves performing in front of crowds and socializing with her friends.
Lark recently hit a rough patch in her life, as schools closed before she turned 16. Everything she used to identify herself, her creative outlets and her social environments, vanished. Lark lives for Carrie and Max. They make her feel that she still has purpose.
Who is Carrie?
Carrie is a twenty-five year old girl. She has always been the girl who exceeds everyone’s expectations. Carrie remembers everyone’s birthday; she is always on time, and she shows unconditional kindness to everybody. She worked hard in school, brought home only A’s, and she now works as a successful high school English teacher. Often nicknamed “Miss Perfect,” Carrie feels like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. She struggles with her self-confidence and fears that if others knew the hidden parts of her that feel weak or flawed, she might not be as loved.
Who is Max?
Max is a seventeen year old boy. In his past, Max felt like a black sheep. He felt misunderstood; he feared that others were smarter, happier, and more fun to be around. In the past couple years he has grown tremendously. He feels that everyday he is closer to becoming the person he wants to be. Max is a deep thinker. He has learned that his thoughtfulness is a skill, that he sees the truth others overlook. Max has strong faith and can be stubborn when he feels someone else can’t see things his way. He has a compassionate heart and sees the potential in everyone, even in troubling times.
What is their relationship?
Lark and Max met in middle school. They immediately found each other appealing. They saw each other occasionally in the hallways, but they didn’t become friends until they were cast in the same high school play. The moment they became friends, they were inseparable. Carrie and Max are brother and sister. Lark got to know Carrie through her visits to Max’s house. Lark often wished Carrie was her big sister, as she is an only child. Lark and Max fell in love soon after they became friends, but the school closings and trouble in their personal lives paused their love story, and neither has been able to express what they want going forward. They both hurt each other in the process and have chosen to ignore the topic and carry on as friends for now.
Why are the schools closed?
A deadly disease broke out three years prior, wiping out a 5th of the continent’s population. Most who died were middle aged and older, leaving many children without parents. Schools closed to prevent the disease from spreading. Although the disease is no longer a threat, the government decided to keep schools closed and continue with online schooling for the nation’s children.
What is the serum?
The serum Lark receives in the mail is called Immune Serum. It is a death vaccine. Anyone who ingests it will live forever. Individuals receive it in the mail, and it is up to each person to choose immortality or a regular life.
What about overpopulation?
In order to control the population, no babies may be born unless a life is traded for it at or before the time of birth. Only those who have not taken the serum, aka temporary citizens, are able to conceive.
What is an eventual?
An eventual is someone who has chosen to live a natural life span. When an eventual dies, a new life will be allowed into the world. One must formally register to become an eventual, and the individual must be at least eighteen years old.
What is a sign-off?
A sign-off is someone who chooses to end their life to save a specific baby’s life. They must die before or at the time of the baby’s birth. 
Where do they live?
The kids live in Mirror Lake, a small town in West Province. West Province is one of four united provinces within a large landmass. It is abundant in farmland, and is only more densely populated than the desolate North Province. The weather doesn’t change much, nor does anything in Mirror Lake. Lark hopes to leave someday for the bustling East Province, full of cities and culture she’s never experienced.
How is this world different from ours?
The government has far more control in Lark’s world than it does in the U.S. All phone calls are recorded. Negative opinions and theories about the government can result in retaliation, if shared publicly, and laws are seldomly changed.
Lark’s world also uses less technology than we do. Citizens do not have cell phones, and home internet connections are heavily monitored. The internet is used for schooling and professional services, but it is not used for recreational purposes. Radio is very popular in Lark’s world, as television programming is chosen by the government and only streams at certain times during the day. Radio programs can be entertaining, as long as they are also informative. Music is still played on the radio, but there has been significantly less new music since the outbreak began.
Where are their parents?
Both Lark’s and Max and Carrie’s parents were victims of the outbreak. Lark’s parents passed away first. Max and Carrie’s parents passed away a couple months later. Carrie took on the role of parent the moment Lark’s parents passed. Lark often stays at Max and Carrie’s home, and Carrie is happy to take care of them both.
So what’s the problem?
Shortly after the Immune Serum is released, Carrie accidentally becomes pregnant. Now she, Lark, and Max must find someone to give up their life for the baby in six months, despite their desolate surroundings in a world full of immortals. Carrie decided that if all else fails, she will die for her baby, but she will do anything she can to stay alive for Max, for Lark, and for her daughter.
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