Shortcut (2020) is an Italian horror film directed by Alessio Liguori. The narrative centers on five teenagers—Nolan, Bess, Reggie, Queenie, and Karl—who, during a school trip, find their bus hijacked and subsequently stranded in a tunnel. They soon realize they’re being hunted by a mysterious creature sensitive to light.

The film has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 58% approval rating based on 26 reviews, with the consensus stating: “This road trip horror outing may take one Shortcut too many to count as a truly satisfying journey, but refreshing brevity and a show-don’t-tell approach smooth the ride.” Phil Hoad of The Guardian commented on the film’s “crisp, almost fairytale levity” but noted that the storytelling is “a bit too scant.” Conversely, RogerEbert.com criticized the film as “both an amateurish production and a mindless genre exercise,” pointing out its lack of character development.

Viewer reactions have been varied. Some praised the film’s atmosphere and creature design, while others felt the plot lacked depth and coherence. One viewer noted, “It’s not too bad for a low budget monster movie but there’s not much horror to be had.” Another mentioned, “A mess of a movie. Shortcut is an incredibly frustrating watch where one scene moves to another without any real connection between them.”

The film’s setting, primarily within the confines of a stranded bus and a dark tunnel, aims to create a claustrophobic atmosphere. The creature design has been noted for its practical effects, though opinions on its effectiveness vary. Some viewers appreciated the attempt at a classic monster aesthetic, while others felt it lacked the necessary scare factor.​

Trailer: For a visual glimpse into the film, you can watch the official trailer here:

Please note that individual opinions on the film may vary, and it’s advisable to watch the trailer and read multiple reviews to determine if it aligns with your viewing preferences.