Time Cut

Time Cut is a 2024 American film blending science fiction with slasher elements, directed by Hannah MacPherson. The screenplay was co-written by MacPherson and Michael Kennedy. The film features a cast that includes Madison Bailey, Antonia Gentry, and Griffin Gluck.

The story centers on Lucy Field, a teenage girl who finds herself transported back to the year 2003. She discovers a time machine and, in an attempt to save her older sister, Summer, from a masked killer known as the Sweetly Slasher, she must navigate the dangers of the past.

Set in the small town of Sweetly, Minnesota, the film begins on April 18, 2003, where high school senior Summer Field is reluctantly attending a school dance. The event is overshadowed by recent tragedies, as several of her friends have been murdered by the elusive Slasher. As the night unfolds, Summer meets a tragic fate, setting the stage for Lucy's journey two decades later.

In 2024, Lucy feels invisible in her troubled town, which is still haunted by the memory of her sister’s death. When Lucy accidentally activates the time machine, she travels to 2003, just days before Summer's demise. Confused by the unfamiliar vibrant setting, she seeks help from her science teacher, Mr. Fleming, and runs into Quinn, a classmate who becomes her ally.

As Lucy and Quinn work together to refuel the time machine, they also confront the horror left in the wake of the Slasher's attacks. The duo learns that they must not only save Summer but also confront the truth about their own feelings and identities. Lucy discovers Quinn's secret love for Summer, leading to a deeper understanding of their relationships and the importance of being true to oneself.

The climax of the film reveals the shocking truth about the Slasher’s identity, linking back to Lucy and Quinn's connection. It becomes apparent that the masked killer is actually a future version of Quinn, driven mad by rejection and bullying. In a gripping confrontation, Lucy manages to defeat him and returns to 2003, where she chooses to live a new life alongside her sister and Quinn.

Featuring a runtime of 92 minutes, Time Cut was released on Netflix on 30 October 2024. The film has received mixed reviews, with some critics unfavorable comparing it to other recent time travel and slasher films.

• Madison Bailey as Lucy Field, Summer's younger sister
• Antonia Gentry as Summer Field, Lucy's older sister
• Griffin Gluck as Quinn, Lucy's ally
• Megan Best as Emmy Golden, Summer's best friend
• Michael Shanks as Gil Field, Lucy and Summer's father
• Rachael Crawford as Kendra Field, their mother

The film's production took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and began in July 2021. Despite the challenges faced during filming, including safety measures on set, the team delivered a unique blend of horror and emotional depth.

As audiences dive into the world of Time Cut, they are met with a compelling narrative that tackles themes of love, loss, and the importance of confronting the past. The film stands out as a fresh take on the slasher genre, with a storyline that resonates with viewers on multiple levels.