Time Cut

Time Traveling Terror: Why 'Time Cut' is the Horror You Didn't Order!

Time-traveling teens, a masked killer, and a soundtrack packed with nostalgia—'Time Cut' has it all!

This Halloween, Netflix is serving up a slice of slasher with a time-twisting twist in their latest release, 'Time Cut.' Directed by Hannah Macpherson, this film plunges audiences into a familiar, albeit gimmicky, time-travel narrative. Our protagonist is Lucy (played by Madison Bailey), a teen who flings herself back to 2003 in a frantic attempt to save her sister, Summer (Antonia Gentry). Unfortunately, in this chaotic race against time, she finds herself up against a masked killer, proving once again that time travel is best left to the experts and not your average teenager.

One highlight of 'Time Cut' that's worth mentioning is its soundtrack, boasting a blend of current and nostalgic hits. With memorable needle drops spanning from 2003 to 2024, music lovers are sure to find themselves humming along, even when the scares fall flat. While the characters wrestle with their fates, the carefully curated tunes add an intriguing layer that might just distract you from the film's less-than-stellar scares. Yes, you might find yourself tapping your toes, but it won't shield you from the shadow of disappointment lurking in the script's shadows.

As the film unravels, the lead performances have garnered mixed reviews, especially regarding Bailey's portrayal of Lucy. Critics have claimed that her performance resembles the emotional range of a paperclip—with 2.5 expressions, leading to a sense of futility as her character dives deeper into danger. Gentry's portrayal of Summer, however, adds a more relatable charm, nudging the audience to root for the sisters despite the film's broader shortcomings. Viewers may find themselves questioning whether they are watching a horror film or a comedy of errors as fate seems to play a cruel joke on their mission to confront the masked menace.

Despite the film's drawbacks, the chemistry between the characters and the nostalgic references lend it a quirky charm. Madison Bailey and Antonia Gentry definitely provide a higher dose of entertainment when bantering about their fate and what comes next. In a recent interview, the pair shared their thoughts on character arcs and possibilities for sequels, hinting that Lucy and Summer may not be done with time-hopping just yet.

Interestingly, 'Time Cut' falls within a long lineage of slasher films that incorporate time travel into their narratives—including the likes of 'Happy Death Day' and 'A Nightmare on Elm Street 3.' While it may not successfully join the ranks of horror's heavyweights, it remains an entertaining piece of pop culture for the unbothered viewer. Remember, though, if you're planning to travel back in time—make sure you've done the necessary research to avoid the pitfalls of adolescent drama and masked maniacs!

Here's a fun fact: Did you know that Madison Bailey, who embodies Lucy, also stars in the popular series 'Outer Banks'? And her co-star, Antonia Gentry, is no stranger to heartfelt performances either, as she shines in Netflix’s ‘Ginny & Georgia.’ With a cast of familiar faces and a distinctly nostalgic soundtrack, 'Time Cut' may just prove that it has some redeeming qualities after all!