When you purchase through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

When Netflix released the trailer for “Time Cut” earlier this month, it promised a nostalgic thrill-ride adventure and a playful time-travel twist. With an unmistakable similarity to “Totally Killer” – Prime Video’s time-travel slasher that hit screens just over a year ago – “Time Cut” seemed poised to give us the same cheeky charm Halloween. Teen slasher films can be a lot of fun with flashbacks and silly humor, and I went into it hoping that this new film would deliver on those fronts.

But even though the film sets the stage with a promising retro aesthetic and tackles that time travel twist we’re seeing a lot in horror thrillers lately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations.

That said, “Time Cut” can still be a solid choice for anyone who wants something lighter and less intense this Halloween. Its playful approach to the genre might appeal to viewers who prefer a horror-inspired storyline without serious scares.

So, here’s what I really think about “Time Cut” on Netflixand why it’s still worth watching now that it’s on the market streaming service…

“Time Cut” is an easy thriller with little charm

The premise of “Time Cut” is pretty standard for a time travel film. It follows Lucy (Madison Bailey), a teenager who stumbles upon a time machine and is unexpectedly transported to the early 2000s. Soon, she realizes that she has landed in the same year that a serial killer claimed the lives of four people, including his sister Summer (Antonia Gentry). Faced with a rare opportunity to change destiny, Lucy decides to rewrite history and stop the killer.

To begin with, “Time Cut” is a very easy watch that might appeal to a more casual crowd. Its nod to 2000s nostalgia is evident in everything from the settings to the vibrant color palettes, lending a fun, retro feel to the film. Visually, it’s not bad at all; the bright colors and style choices make this an aesthetically pleasing watch. But for serious horror or slasher fans, “Time Cut” may seem a little lacking in substance. It doesn’t live up to the genre it claims to embrace, and while it’s marketed as a slasher, it doesn’t fully commit to that label.

As for the actual murders, most of them happen off-screen (great for anyone who doesn’t like gore). And the person committing them wears a rather boring and unscary plastic mask. The victims remain anonymous and underdeveloped, seeming more like fresh meat than real characters, making it difficult to care about them when they reach their end. There is A Interesting death scene that happens halfway down an escalator, but again, we don’t really see much.

This lack of connection extends to the main cast as well – the acting didn’t really appeal to me and I found it hard to connect with or root for anyone. If you’re a fan of Bailey in “Outer Banks” or Gentry in “Ginny & Georgia” and are curious to see them in a teen slasher, this movie might be worth watching one night. However, don’t expect them to fully spread their wings here; their performances seem a little understated.

That said, “Time Cut” has its place for a Halloween watch this year, especially if you’re looking for something casual and not too intense. I understand that not everyone is looking for bone-chilling horror this time of year; For some, a light, nostalgic film is more their speed, and this film fits that bill. I wouldn’t even call it horror at all, but as a low-stakes, teen-centric thriller, it works as a quick, no-commitment escape.

While I’d probably recommend something darker for horror fans, “Time Cut” could still be a fun choice for those who like a dose of light-hearted banter with their Halloween fare. Overall, it’s a safe and easy watch – but not for those expecting a real scare or a deep story with real emotional impact.

Is “Time Cut” worth streaming on Netflix?

If you’re considering streaming “Time Cut” on Netflix, think about what you want. This film offers light escapism filled with a bit of nostalgic charm, making it a decent choice for a casual movie night, especially around Halloween.

However, if you are a dedicated horror fan looking for thrills and chills, you might find this film lacking in intensity and emotional depth. While there are some familiar faces from the popular shows, their performances don’t quite reach their full potential.

Ultimately, “Time Cut” is better suited to those who like light-hearted jokes and a pinch of teenage nostalgia, rather than a full-blown horror experience. If that sounds appealing to you, it might be worth it. However, if you prefer a gripping, adrenaline-pumping slasher, you may want to look elsewhere for your Halloween fix.

Netflix has more Halloween movies It’s worth checking out instead. We also have a guide on the best horror movies to stream on Prime Video during spooky season.

Stream “Time Cut” on Netflix.

Learn more about Tom’s Guide