The question “what if” often ignites the spark of imagination, bridging the physical and metaphysical realms. As I wrap my thoughts around the intricate layers of Blake Crouch’s thought-provoking novel, “Recursion,” I am introduced to an intriguing cinematic creation, “Time Cut,” which serves as an exhilarating preface to the novel’s exploration of False Memory Syndrome by protagonists Helena and Barry.
“Time Cut,” however, transcends the typical heavy-handed explorations of the space-time fabric; it is a teen-centric, time-travel slasher film that does not shy away from embracing its lighter side. Set amid the backdrop of April 2003 in the quaint town of Sweetly, the film spirals into chaos as four teenagers, including Summer (portrayed by Antonia Gentry) and her best friend Emmy (played by Megan Best), fall victim to a mysterious killer. The tragedy leaves an indelible scar on the community, with the murderer never apprehended.
Fast forward to 2024, we meet Lucy (Madison Bailey), an exceptionally talented teenager poised to begin an internship with NASA. Lucy, we learn, is Summer’s sister, born after the untimely demise of her sister. Her parents, Gil (Michael Shanks) and Kendra (Rachael Crawford), are profoundly affected by the tragedy—preserving Summer’s room as a testament to their lost daughter. As the anniversary of Summer’s death looms, Lucy inadvertently stumbles upon a time machine that catapults her back to 2003. Aware of the opportunity before her, she must contemplate altering history by preventing the Sweetly slasher at the cost of erasing her own existence.
The narrative unfolds with its share of fish-out-of-water humor, such as Lucy’s bewilderment over early 2000s technology and social norms, contrasted with her future-derived wisdom (such as wisely advising against investing in BlackBerry).
. Lucy bonds with Summer, engaging in relatable activities, like a makeover and a classic mall venture, grounding the film’s fantastical elements in relatable teenage motifs.
At Lucy’s side is Quinn (Griffin Gluck), a dedicated physics enthusiast, who aids her in reconstructing the time machine. True to genre form, the device has a missing component, a common trope in time travel portrayals. Quinn quips that their scenario diverges from the iconic “Back to the Future” films, acknowledging the influence of past cinematic time travel tales.
Despite its eerie premise, “Time Cut” offers a vibrant escape, with a lively aesthetic crafted to complement its narrative. The filmmakers maintain an upbeat tone, cleverly aligning with the optimistic resolution that punctuates this cinematic experience. As viewers, we are invited on a ride through colorful and nostalgic depictions, which encourages reflection on broader scientific mysteries and fantastical elements akin to the speculations around an infinite improbability drive—or perhaps even while curating a Diwaloween costume ensemble.
Available to stream on Netflix, “Time Cut” doesn’t linger heavily in memory but offers a subtle, endearing joyride that’s as entertaining as it is fleeting, allowing audiences to temporarily relocate to a gleefully imagined world where time is as pliable as a bubblegum wrapper. The film captivates subtly, delivering a charming layer to the broader conversation around the implications of timelines and the matters of destiny intertwined with choice.
With its November 3, 2024 release date, “Time Cut” resides comfortably within the realm of world cinema, adding its voice to English cinematic narratives through an engaging, vibrant exploration of time travel and teenage camaraderie. Whether the film will etch a profound mark on the sci-fi genre remains to be seen, but its contribution to conversation and entertainment is undoubtedly appreciable for its refreshing take on an often weighty subject.
