The Netflix Sci-Fi Adventure Inspired By The Goonies

Time Trap begins with Hopper (Andrew Wilson), an archaeology professor, exploring a mysterious cave system in search of missing hippies from the 1970s. When Hopper fails to return, Taylor and Jackie, joined by their friends Cara (Cassidy Gifford), Veeves (Olivia Draguicevich), and Furby (Max Wright), follow his trail into the cave. As the group navigates the cave’s depths, they encounter strange occurrences and the shocking discovery of a time distortion where events move at a drastically different pace.

The plot of Time Trap thickens when Furby meets a tragic end at the hands of a caveman, sparking revelations about the cave’s temporal anomalies. The group realizes that time is passing more slowly within the cave than outside. The introduction of a futuristic humanoid spaceman adds an unexpected twist to the narrative, leading to a thrilling battle for survival.

With knowledge of humanity’s future space-faring endeavors, the spaceman becomes a crucial ally for the group. Sacrifices are made, and Taylor must confront Hopper’s sister and a legion of conquistadors in a time-dilation chamber at the cave’s center. Time Trap masterfully explores time manipulation, offering glimpses into different eras and civilizations entangled in the cave.

The climax of Time Trap includes a revelation about the true nature of the cave’s power. The film concludes with a sense of wonder and curiosity as the characters, now aware of humanity’s future, prepare to discuss the extraordinary events they’ve experienced. With its unique blend of adventure and unexpected twists, the film keeps viewers entertained from start to finish.

Time Trap was produced on a modest budget and uses practical effects, clever camera work, and creative set design to bring the cave environment and time distortions to life. The initial concept for the movie was to present it in a found footage style. Filming took place in Texas and drew inspiration from 1980s films like the Indiana Jones series and The Goonies.

While Time Trap and The Goonies share the adventure genre, they lack direct thematic similarities. The Goonies, directed by Richard Donner, focuses on a group of kids searching for treasure to save their neighborhood from foreclosure. Time Trap is more of a sci-fi adventure with a time travel element, emphasizing survival and the consequences of temporal distortions.

The decision to set Time Trap in a cave was inspired by Mark Dennis’ upbringing in Texas, where caves are abundant, and by the movie The Descent. The movie’s premise came to Dennis during a four-year journey to the South Pole. Upon returning to the United States, he was surprised by the significant changes in his absence.

Time Trap received positive reviews from critics who praised the film for its inventive concept, engaging storytelling, and suspenseful atmosphere. Some appreciated the low-budget creativity and the film’s ability to deliver an entertaining experience within its financial constraints. However, others found fault with certain plot elements and pacing.Fan reception was more positive, with audiences enjoying its unique take on time travel and the unexpected twists in the narrative. Over the years, Time Trap has gained a cult following among science fiction and adventure fans.