The question “What if?” fuels endless possibilities and serves as a bridge that connects the physical realm with the metaphysical. This phrase, laden with curiosity and potential, underpins countless narratives across genres. As I find myself deeply engrossed in Blake Crouch’s nerve-wracking 2019 novel, “Recursion,” which explores bewildering concepts like memory and time, the release of “Time Cut” adds an intriguing twist to the landscape of storytelling. “Time Cut,” a teen-oriented time-travel slasher movie, is not merely a blend of paradoxes and genre tropes but a delightful prelude to the intricate themes that Crouch brilliantly brings to life in “Recursion.”
“Time Cut” unfolds amidst the unpretentious setting of Sweetly, a quaint small town that witnesses a gruesome series of events in April 2003. The community is shattered when four teenagers are murdered on a seemingly ordinary night, an unfathomable tragedy that claims the lives of Summer (Antonia Gentry) and her best friend Emmy (Megan Best). The identity of the perpetrator remains a mystery, leaving the inhabitants of Sweetly in a state of mourning from which it struggles to recover. Such deep-seated trauma lingers, shaping the lives of the victims’ families and casting a long shadow over Sweetly.
Fast forward to 2024, where we meet Lucy (Madison Bailey), a brilliant yet introspective teenager who has just achieved the prestigious accolade of being accepted into NASA’s internship program. Lucy’s intellectual prowess is evident, as well as her yearning to step beyond the somber heritage left by her older sister, Summer, who died before Lucy was even born. Her parents, Gil (Michael Shanks) and Kendra (Rachael Crawford), have been living in a perpetual state of grief, barely more than shadows of their former selves. Summer’s room remains untouched and preserved as a shrine, a poignant tribute to a life lost too soon.
On the anniversary of Summer’s death, Lucy’s world shifts dramatically when she stumbles upon a mysterious time machine. In a twist of fate, she is inadvertently transported back to the year 2003.
. Bewildered yet fascinated by her bizarre journey through time, Lucy realizes she has the opportunity to prevent the heinous Sweetly slasher from striking, thus saving her sister and the town. However, there is a haunting caveat; saving Summer would mean obliterating Lucy’s own future existence.
The film weaves humor and poignancy into its intricate narrative. Lucy’s initial struggles in adapting to 2003’s culture—such as misunderstanding the screeching sound of internet modems and the absence of Twitter—offer lighthearted moments. Moreover, her future knowledge serves as a humorous commentary (like advising against investing in BlackBerry), providing both comedy and insight. During her time in the past, Lucy befriends her sister Summer, leading to heartwarming scenes of mall visits and makeovers that capture the vibrant spirit of adolescence.
Enter Quinn (Griffin Gluck), a local physics nerd with a penchant for solving complex problems. With Quinn’s assistance, Lucy embarks on the challenging task of reconstructing the time machine, which, following the tradition of many fictional time machines, cannot function without its mysteriously missing part. Quinn’s witty remark, “This is not a Marty McFly situation,” pays homage to the iconic “Back to the Future” trilogy, one of the finest in the teen time-travel canon.
“Time Cut” manages to convey an air of bright optimism despite its darker elements. Its lively colors and engaging characters create a world where hope and courage triumph over despair. The film succeeds in striking a balance between thrilling moments with the lurking slasher and light-hearted scenes that maintain an upbeat tone. This blend is what makes “Time Cut” a pleasant cinematic experience, one that can simply pass by in your peripheral vision as you muse over the whimsical mysteries of the space-time continuum or ponder the intricacies of a cleverly themed costume party.
Currently available for streaming on Netflix, “Time Cut” offers an entertaining exploration of time travel and teenage life, amidst moments of suspense and emotional depth, making it a worthy watch for fans eager to indulge in a playful yet thrilling narrative.
