Director Hannah Macpherson doubles up on genres for her “Time Cut” sophomore effort from Netflix. Macpherson also co-writes the film’s screenplay with Michael Kennedy. In the present day, Lucy Field (Madison Bailey), A high school senior student and amateur inventor, accidentally finds a time machine and travels back to 2003, the year her sister Summer (Antonia Gentry) was murdered by an unknown killer.
The film starts with a classic slasher movie apocalyptic opening, and it is a great way to showcase Lucy’s situation; she needs to get it done fast. We soon learn that she is also a bit of a sad child to her parents, and she might have been created to take over from her big sister.
The transition between the futuristic nature of 2024 and the early 2000s is well done, so we can get a couple of nostalgic allusions for viewers who haven’t seen this movie in years. The filmmakers play on it in an ingenious cultural interplay, producing more comedy.
Madison Bailey is a strong actress with the heart and spirit of a sister who will break time. But supporting characters don’t develop at all, sometimes drawing the narrative into the heart. Even the killer was frightening, but he’s relatively flat, playing to typical horror tropes with little context or reason behind it.
“Time Cut” maintains an engaging pace throughout its runtime. However, the second act occasionally slows down, with certain narrative elements needing more development. Despite this, the film picks up momentum in its finale, dramatically raising the stakes. The climactic final battle is thrilling, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
From a visual standpoint, “Time Cut” portrays its dual timelines. The cinematography effectively captures the essence of time travel, using dynamic camera work and striking visuals to differentiate between past and present. This angle allows viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate storyline fully. Complementing the visuals is a well-curated soundtrack, blending nostalgic 2000s pop songs with fresh, contemporary music. This combination enhances the film’s atmosphere and evokes a sense of nostalgia that resonates with the audience.
While “Time Cut” may not be a cinematic breakthrough, it successfully entertains through its engaging plot and relatable characters. The film strikes a balance that appeals to time travel enthusiasts and thriller fans, making it a compelling watch. However, those looking for a more in-depth exploration of time travel concepts may need more.
Overall, “Time Cut” serves as a solid introduction to an intriguing narrative, and it leaves the door open for potential sequels or further expansions of its unique premise, suggesting that there’s more to explore in this captivating universe.
Final Grade: B-
“Time Cut” is available to stream today on Netflix.
Whether it’s the loss of a celebrity you grew up with or a daily dumb remark from our current commander-in-chief, three months in 2025 are already getting crazy. So, for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I decided to change it up and offer something inspirational like Mariah Carey and her 2006 hit “Fly Like A Bird.”
Music video director David Yarovesky brings together Bill Skarsgård and two-time Academy winner Anthony Hopkins for his third feature film, “Locked” from the Avenue. Horror icon Sam Raimi produces the film, while Michael Arlen Ross pens the film’s screenplay.
Multi-talented entertainer Teyana Taylor recently made some headlines when photos of her and possible new boo thang Aaron “That’s Mufasa” Pierre began making headlines. I was deciding what to feature this week for Second Listen Sunday. Recently, Ms. Taylor has been stacking up her credentials from an acting standpoint, but I decided to feature her 2015 EP, “The Cassette Tape 1994,” this week.