Rating: ★★★½☆ (3.5/5 Stars)
Released 10-30-2024
Watched 11-02-2024
Reviewed 11-04-2024
Watched on Netflix
"We’re not altering the future. We’re just giving it a… makeover."
“Time Cut,” directed by Hannah Macpherson, delivers a blend of sci-fi and horror with a fresh take on high school drama and time travel. The film follows two teens, Charity (Madison Iseman) and Isaac (Antoine Olivier Pilon), as they unwittingly discover a mysterious portal in their high school that transports them back in time. Their initial excitement quickly turns to terror as they realize they’re stuck in a cycle of time loops and must evade increasingly disturbing consequences each time they reset.
What makes “Time Cut” intriguing is its ability to combine traditional teen horror elements—like jump scares and dark corridors—with the mind-bending consequences of time travel. The duo’s journey through the loops is relentless and occasionally dizzying, pulling viewers into an unpredictable thrill ride. Madison Iseman shines in her role, capturing the anxious curiosity of her character, while Pilon provides a solid foil with a more skeptical, grounded approach.
The film’s pacing is commendable for the most part, though some of the middle sections lose momentum as the plot explores more of the mechanics behind the time loops. For those who enjoy a detailed backstory, these moments offer insight into the mysterious forces at work, but others may find them slightly repetitive. The scenes become darker and increasingly graphic as the characters realize the stakes of each loop, adding a mature edge to the high school horror setting.
What ultimately holds “Time Cut” back from greatness is its somewhat predictable climax. Although the film builds an atmosphere of suspense, the resolution feels like it settles for safety rather than exploring the full depth of its high-concept premise. However, it’s still an engaging watch for fans of sci-fi thrillers who appreciate a mix of horror and adventure.
In the end, “Time Cut” doesn’t revolutionize the time travel genre, but it does succeed as an entertaining addition. Its unique blend of teen angst, supernatural horror, and science fiction creates a compelling experience, even if it falls short of memorable. Ideal for younger audiences or fans of time loop tales, “Time Cut” offers enough suspense to keep viewers hooked without pushing the boundaries too far.
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