The Shortcut

When Derek moves to a new town he stumbles onto a shortcut that cuts through a wooded stretch on the way to his high school. The locals say a reclusive man lives along the path and is connected to past teen disappearances. Rather than heed warnings, Derek bands with a few classmates to test the route and uncover what the town has kept hidden about its history. As they tread the dim passages of the forest the group uncovers signs that something dangerous lurks beneath the surface. The woods press in, and fear clashes with curiosity as their plans reveal more than they bargained for.

Released in 2009 and directed by Nicholaus Goossen, The Shortcut derives from an original screenplay by Scott Sandler and Dan Hannon. The project carried a modest budget and paired a young ensemble with seasoned actors for a suspenseful ride.

Reception to The Shortcut appears modest with a low rating from audiences, reflected in an approximate 4.65 out of 10 from 140 votes. The film probes teen rebellion and the lure and danger of shortcuts, exploring trust under pressure and how legends shape behavior.