Time Cut Continues A Popular But Lackluster Trend For Horror Movies

Time Cut Continues A Popular But Lackluster Trend For Horror Movies

Key Takeaways

  • Many 2024 horror movies, including “Time Cut,” use time travel tropes that may lead to lackluster middle sections.
  • While “Paper Girls” was well-crafted, common time travel tropes often leave viewers wanting more character development.
  • “Time Cut” offers a fresh premise, coining it as a feel-good slasher film that is heartwarming and entertaining.

As a seasoned gamer and horror movie enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen it all – from classics like “Friday the 13th” to modern gems like “Get Out.” However, time travel tropes have always been a bit of a letdown for me. They often lead to movies that are as predictable as a game of Candy Crush on easy mode (not that there’s anything wrong with that).


2024 is shaping up to be a blast for any horror enthusiast like me, as we’ve been treated to an array of slashers and comedies in the genre. Among the latest releases, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Blumhouse’s reimagining of “Speak No Evil”. As for what’s next on my watchlist, there’s a Netflix horror movie titled “Time Cut” that’s caught my attention. However, I can’t help but ponder over its plot and the familiar narrative device it seems to be employing.

In the captivating series titled “Time Cut”, Madison Bailey portrays Lucy Fields, a young woman who journeys back in time in an attempt to prevent her sister, portrayed by Antonia Gentry, from being killed. These two remarkable performers have gained recognition for their lead roles on popular Netflix shows. Bailey stars as Kiara “Kie” Carrera in “Outer Banks”, while Gentry plays Ginny Miller in “Ginny and Georgia”. The upcoming season 3 of the latter promises to be intriguing. Although I’m looking forward to watching “Time Cut”, I sometimes find that the horror genre can employ time travel themes in a less than satisfying manner.

Why I Don’t Like The Time Travel Horror Trope Used In Movies Like Time Cut

Time Cut Continues A Popular But Lackluster Trend For Horror Movies

My main problem with the time travel horror movie trope is that it often results in a movie that sags in the middle and doesn’t live up to the premise. The Amazon Prime Video horror movie Totally Killer, which has a great ending, suffers from this issue, and it seems possible that Time Cut could as well. In that film, Jamie (Kiernan Shipka) is 17 years old and finds herself back in 1987. When she realizes this, she realizes that she has the chance to save her mom from being murdered by a serial killer. While it’s interesting to learn about Jamie’s life in the present day along with the terror of what happened to her mother, the rest of the movie isn’t as engaging as it should be.

As a gamer, when my character jumps through time, it always takes me aback. The fashion and hairstyles are so different, it’s like stepping into another world! If I run into a younger version of my in-game mom or relative, I can hardly recognize them. These moments are heartwarming, but they often leave me craving for more backstory. While there are some fantastic time-travel sci-fi films out there, Totally Killer seems to delve deeper into Jamie’s mom than into Jamie herself. I yearn to discover more about her character, and I hope that Time Cut gives each of its characters the attention they deserve, instead of solely focusing on Lucy’s sister’s chilling tale.

The intriguing series “Paper Girls” briefly aired and stood out due to its unique twist on time travel themes. Although it didn’t attract a massive viewership, it was an engaging exploration of character development as it focused on teenagers encountering their future selves and discovering the outcomes of their lives. This approach gave a fresh perspective to the familiar trope. Meanwhile, “Totally Killer” introduced a time travel device but didn’t delve too deeply into why it functioned. I understand that movies can’t provide comprehensive explanations for something as elusive as time travel, but I always anticipate more insight. I’m curious if “Time Cut” will shed light on the workings of the machine, which I hope it does.

In horror films that employ familiar time-travel themes, they often grapple with “The Butterfly Effect,” which is the idea that altering anything in the past causes a ripple effect and changes the future. While I’m eager for an unconventional conclusion, I’ll definitely give Time Cut a try, hoping it will be humorous or fulfilling. However, I’d prefer something beyond the usual time-travel tropes.

What Else Should Horror Fans Know About Time Cut?

Time Cut Continues A Popular But Lackluster Trend For Horror Movies

Back in 2021, I got pretty excited when Time Cut was unveiled, with JoBlo.com describing it as a blend between Freaky and Scream. This intriguing movie was directed by Hannah MacPherson and co-written with Michael Kennedy, based on a story penned by Kennedy himself. Notably, Christopher Landon, who’s famous for his spine-tingling films like Freaky, Happy Death Day, and Happy Death Day 2U, lends his production skills to this project.

During a chat with Natural Diamonds, “Time Cut” actress Madison Bailey discussed the forthcoming horror film and shared her insights.

There’s a movie titled ‘Time Cut’, which combines elements of feel-good films with the thrill of a slasher flick – an unusual yet engaging combination! The narrative jumps between two time periods, focusing on the story of two sisters, while also incorporating horror and suspense. Shooting this film was an enjoyable experience for me.

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2024-10-01 02:03