When Netflix released the trailer for “Time Cut” earlier this month, it promised nostalgic thrills and playful time travel twists. Given its unmistakable resemblance to the time-travel slasher “Totally Killer,” which premiered on Prime Video just a year ago, it was assumed that “Time Cut” would offer the same cheeky Halloween charm. Teen slasher flicks are always fun with their dated, silly humor, and I went to see this new one with high hopes that it would deliver on that front as well.

However, while the film sets the stage with a promising retro aesthetic and adds a time travel twist that is common in recent horror thrillers, it did not quite live up to my expectations.

That said, “Time Cuts” may still be a solid one for those looking for something lighter and less intense this Halloween. This playful approach to the genre may appeal to viewers who prefer horror-style stories without serious scares.

Here's what I really think about Netflix's “Time Cut” and why it might still be worth watching now that it's on the streaming service...

The premise of “Time Cut” is pretty standard for a time travel movie: teenage girl Lucy (Madison Bailey) encounters a time machine and is unexpectedly transported back to the early 2000s. She soon realizes that she has traveled back to the exact year in which a serial killer took the lives of four people, including her sister Summer (Antonia Gentry). Faced with a unique opportunity to change her fate, Lucy decides to rewrite history and stop the killer.

First, “Time Cuts” is very watchable and appeals to a casual audience; the flirtation with 2000s nostalgia is evident in everything from the sets to the use of bright colors, giving the film a fun, retro flair. The bright colors and stylistic choices make the film aesthetically pleasing. However, serious horror and slasher fans may find “Time Cut” a bit underwhelming. And while it is marketed as a slasher, it does not carry that label across the board.

As for the actual killing, most of it happens off-screen (ideal for those who don't like gore). The people committing the murders are wearing boring plastic masks that are meant to scare the audience. The victims remain anonymous and undeveloped, more like flesh and blood than actual characters, making it difficult to care about them when they meet their end. There is an interesting killing scene that takes place on an escalator in the middle of the film, which also does not look good.

This lack of connection extends to the main cast as well, and I found it difficult to connect with or root for anyone as I was not very drawn in by the performances. If you are a fan of Bailey from “The Outer Banks” or Gentry from “Ginny & Georgia” and are interested in the teen slashers they appear in, this film may be worth a casual night's viewing. But don't expect them to fully fledge their wings here.

That said, “Time Cut” is the film to see this Halloween. We understand that not everyone is looking for bone-chilling horror this time of year. For some people, lighthearted, nostalgic films are more to their nature, and this film fits the bill. It can't be called horror at all, but as a teen-centric low-stakes thriller, it's a quick, no-frills escapade.

Horror buffs will probably recommend something darker, but “Time Cut” may still be an enjoyable option for those looking for a light-hearted romp with a Halloween movie. However, it is not for those expecting real scares or a deeper story with emotional impact.

If you're considering whether or not to stream “Time Cut” on Netflix, consider how you're feeling. The film offers a lighthearted escapism with a nostalgic charm that makes it perfect for a laid-back movie-going experience, especially around Halloween.

However, avid horror fans looking for thrills and chills may find the film lacking in intensity and emotional depth. While the cast includes familiar faces from the popular show, their performances do not quite live up to their full potential.

Ultimately, “Time Cut” is best suited for those who enjoy light-hearted banter and teen nostalgia rather than an authentic horror experience. If that sounds appealing, it may be worth your time. But if you prefer a sweaty-hand, full-on adrenaline slasher, you may want to look elsewhere for your Halloween fix.

Netflix has a few other Halloween movies worth checking out instead. There's also a guide to the best horror movies to stream on Prime Video during the spooky season, streaming “Time Cuts” on Netflix.