Horror flick Time Cut misses the mark with time travel on Netflix

As a seasoned connoisseur of slasher films, particularly those that dabble in sci-fi and time travel, I was eagerly anticipating Netflix’s latest offering, “Time Cut.” Having been captivated by the intricate loops of time in the “Happy Death Day” series, I was ready for a new thrill.

For enthusiasts of slasher films like “Scream” or “You’re Next,” Netflix’s October 30th release titled “Time Cut” directed by Hannah MacPherson, introduces a fresh twist: the integration of time travel into the classic formula. The primary cast consists of Madison Bailey (Lucy), Antonia Gentry (Summer), and Griffin Gluck (Quinn). The plot revolves around Lucy, who discovers a time machine and is unexpectedly transported back to April 16, 2003, just days before her sister and some friends met their untimely end at the hands of a masked serial killer.

As a movie enthusiast who’s always on the lookout for thrilling slasher movies with a twist of sci-fi and time travel, akin to the captivating Happy Death Day series, I was eagerly anticipating a fresh flick that would blend science fiction with chills and gore. Did Time Cut deliver on my expectations of gruesome kill scenes and intricate storytelling?

The film starts off in a small town named Sweetly on April 18, 2003, during a senior spring fling at a barn dance party. A masked killer, who was part of a series of murders, targeted and killed Summer at this event. This was the last murder committed by this serial killer, who had previously claimed the lives of Summer’s friends Emmy, Brian, and Val as well. The story then shifts to the present day, with Lucy, Summer’s younger sister, providing a narrative. She explains that although these murders occurred more than 20 years ago, a dark cloud of tragedy continues to linger over the town, as the killings remain unsolved. Each year on the anniversary of their deaths, Lucy is reminded that one significant moment can drastically alter the course of life.

It turns out that Lucy got an internship at NASA. At a memorial for her sister Summer, Lucy stumbles upon a time machine and journeys back to April 2003, just before her sister’s death. Intrigued by this, Lucy approaches her high school physics teacher to discuss time travel. While the discussion is overheard by a student named Quinn, who advises against it due to potential paradoxes. Later on, Quinn becomes the target of a senior prank. Lucy steps in to prevent the prank and then reveals to Quinn that she’s from the future.

Despite initially being uncertain, he eventually comes around to trusting her. Lucy seeks assistance from Quinn regarding the time machine due to his expertise in physics, asking if he would adjust things if he knew something terrible was imminent. Later on, she discloses that one of the murder victims is his friend Summer. Eventually, when Summer learns about the upcoming events, both Quinn and Summer make a statement: “We’re not meddling with the future; we’re simply giving it a facelift.

Time Cut review

As the film unfolded, I felt let down by the absence of tension building towards the killings. The Happy Death Day series had a lot more anticipation and fear. I recognize that Time Cut is rated PG-13, but there wasn’t even a single jump scare. It’s puzzling because it’s supposed to be a slasher movie.

As a movie enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on this time-travel flick. The initial 30 minutes had me hooked, but as the story unfolded and the murders began, my interest waned. Now, I’m all about the ’90s nostalgia, and this film nailed it with details like Fat Joe and Ashanti’s “What’s Luv?” at the dance and Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” during Lucy’s makeover. Even the outfits, featuring Heelys and Ugg-like boots, took me back to high school days. However, I found it hard to believe that Summer didn’t question Lucy’s origins or background, especially when she invited her for dinner with her parents and had a sleepover. That part of the plot seemed out of sync for me.

In the movie, viewers may find themselves puzzled by the intricacies of time travel, as certain aspects seem illogical, particularly when it comes to characters and their future selves revealing the identity of the villain. The film “Time Cut” is primarily designed for pre-teen spectators. If you’re seeking a more straightforward portrayal of time travel, I’d recommend watching episodes featuring Stewie and Brian from the animated series “Family Guy” instead, as they provide a clearer explanation of the concept.

2024-11-07 22:42