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Time Cut, a 2024 Netflix film, is a science fiction slasher directed by Hannah MacPherson. It follows Lucy Field, a high school student, who stumbles upon a time machine and travels back to 2003 to prevent the murder of her sister, Summer.
The film's time travel and slasher horror make it suspenseful. The movie, released on October 30, 2024, is known for its intriguing premise and captivating storytelling.
Totally Killer, released on Amazon Prime Video on October 6, 2023, is a slasher comedy directed by Nahnatchka Khan. It stars Jamie Hughes, a teen who unintentionally returns to 1987 to stop the Sweet 16 Killer from being a serial killer. Combining horror with comedy, the movie offers a nostalgic but exciting trip as Jamie partners with her younger mother to rewrite history.
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Is Time Cut a sequel to Totally Killer? No, Time Cut isn't a sequel to Totally Killer. While both films share similar themes of time travel and slasher elements, they are distinct in their storytelling, characters and production. The similarities lie in genre tropes rather than any direct narrative connection.
Similarities and differences between Time Cut and Totally Killer
Shared themes and tropes
Both movies fall within the slasher genre, integrating time travel as a central plot device. This combination of horror and science fiction creates a unique subgenre that has intrigued audiences.
The central premise in both movies involves teenage protagonists traveling back in time to prevent murders, focusing on saving loved ones from masked killers.
Key differences in storytelling
Despite these similarities, the two films diverge in tone and execution. Time Cut adopts a more serious and emotional approach. Lucy's journey is driven by her desire to save her sister and unravel the mystery of her death. The film's antagonist, Quinn, transforms into the Sweet Slasher due to personal trauma and seeks revenge against those who had wronged him.
In contrast, Totally Killer leans heavily into horror-comedy. Jamie Hughes' journey back to the 1980s is filled with humor and nostalgia. The film explores her dynamic with her younger mother and the quirky characters of the past. The Sweet 16 Killer's motive is also rooted in revenge but is portrayed with a lighter, more comedic tone.
Time travel mechanisms
Time Cut employs a SONR anti-matter device as its time machine, discovered in an abandoned barn. It adds a scientific and mysterious layer to the plot, emphasizing the unintended consequences of time travel.
In Totally Killer, the time travel mechanism is a whimsical photo booth. This device aligns with the film’s humorous tone, making the time travel element more playful and less grounded in scientific realism.
Character motivations and development
The protagonists, Lucy and Jamie, are both determined and resourceful but differ in their emotional arcs. Lucy’s mission in Time Cut is deeply personal, driven by the loss of her sister. Her journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the complexities of altering the past.
Jamie in Totally Killer is motivated by the desire to save her mother and stop a killer. Her journey is filled with moments of levity and personal growth as she navigates the cultural differences between the present and the 1980s.
Cast comparisons
Time Cut features Madison Bailey as Lucy Field, with Antonia Gentry playing her sister, Summer, while Griffin Gluck portrays Quinn, the film’s antagonist. The supporting cast includes Michael Shanks and Megan Best, contributing to the film's emotional depth.
Totally Killer stars Kiernan Shipka as Jamie Hughes, with Julie Bowen as her mother, Pam. Olivia Holt plays the younger version of Pam, while Randall Park adds comedic charm. The cast effectively balances the film’s mix of horror and comedy, creating a dynamic ensemble.
Behind the scenes: Production insights
The production timelines of both films offer an interesting perspective. Time Cut was filmed in 2021 but released in 2024, making it one of the last projects involving cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. This delay in release has led to misconceptions about its relationship with Totally Killer.
Totally Killer was filmed between May and June 2022 and released in October 2023. Despite being released earlier, it was produced after Time Cut, debunking the notion that one film copied the other.
The phenomenon of twin movies
The similarities between Time Cut and Totally Killer can be attributed to the phenomenon of "twin movies." This happens usually by coincidence when two movies with like themes open near one another. Two such film pairs are Olympus Has Fallen and White House Down and Antz and A Bug's Life.
These twin films typically share thematic elements but remain independent in terms of production and storytelling. Time Cut and Totally Killer exemplify this trend, showcasing how different filmmakers can explore similar ideas through unique lenses.
The ending of the movies
Time Cut concludes with Lucy choosing to live in the past after successfully preventing her sister’s murder. This decision underscores the film’s emotional core, highlighting the complexities of family, loss and redemption.
In Totally Killer, Jamie returns to a changed present, where her actions in the past have reshaped her family dynamics. The film’s ending is more light-hearted, emphasizing the unintended consequences of meddling with time.
Both movies probe the moral conundrums of time travel. Time Cut begs ethical concerns about changing the past to stop personal tragedies. As Jamie considers the results of her actions, Totally Killer explores the concept of fate against free will.
Additional insights
Legacy of the slasher genre
Both films pay homage to the slasher genre, which thrives on familiar tropes like masked killers and revenge-driven plots. They also innovate within the genre by integrating time travel, creating a fresh narrative experience.
Impact on the subgenre
The success of Time Cut and Totally Killer could signal the rise of time-travel slashers as a distinct subgenre. This blend of horror and science fiction opens new possibilities for storytelling, challenging traditional genre boundaries.
Time Cut and Totally Killer are not sequels but independent films that share thematic similarities. Their unique approaches to blending slasher horror with time travel offer distinct viewing experiences. By exploring different tones, character arcs and time travel mechanics, the two films contribute to the evolving landscape of the horror genre.
The conversation around their similarities highlights the creative possibilities within established genre frameworks, showcasing the enduring appeal of innovative storytelling in horror cinema.
