Time at the Top Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Time at the Top.
Time at the Top Ending Explained: 14-year old Susan Shawson travels back in time in her building's elevator. Directed by Jimmy Kaufman, this 1999 mystery film stars Timothy Busfield (Frank Shawson), alongside Elisha Cuthbert as Susan Shawson, Gabrielle Boni as Victoria Walker, Matthew Harbour as Robert Walker. With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Time at the Top?
14-year old Susan Shawson travels back in time in her building's elevator. As altered by a retired physicist living in her building, it transports her from Philadelphia of 1998 back to the same place in 1881. There she meets Victoria Walker, a girl her own age in need of assistance with her own family problems. Gradually discovering the power of her time machine, Susan, Victoria, and her young brother Robert travel back and forth in time and succeed in changing both the past and the future.
Jimmy Kaufman's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Timothy Busfield (Frank Shawson)'s journey. As altered by a retired physicist living in her building, it transports her from Philadelphia of 1998 back to the same place in 1881.
How Does Timothy Busfield (Frank Shawson)'s Story End?
- Timothy Busfield: Timothy Busfield's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Elisha Cuthbert (Susan Shawson): Elisha Cuthbert's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Gabrielle Boni (Victoria Walker): Gabrielle Boni's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Time at the Top Mean?
Time at the Top's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Timothy Busfield may feel rushed. Jimmy Kaufman's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.