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Timeline

Solarbabies (1986) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
1986 · 94 min · English
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Directed by
Alan Johnson
Starring
Sarah Douglas, James LeGros, Richard Jordan, Lukas Haas, Adrian Pasdar, Jason Patric

In a desolate, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by drought, a group of resourceful young people struggle to survive. Led by Jason and Terra, they challenge the oppressive Protectorate, whose rule offers little beyond brutal, hockey-like contests for entertainment. The discovery of a strange sphere by young Daniel throws the fragile balance into chaos. Powerful, sinister forces, including the villainous Darstar, seek to control the sphere’s potential, triggering a desperate conflict between hope and darkness.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Solarbabies
  6. 6 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Solarbabies Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Solarbabies (1986) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. The Grey Skies

    In a devastated world, the skies are perpetually grey, reflecting the desolation that has consumed the planet. Humanity is struggling to survive under the oppressive regime of the Eco Protectorate, which has exerted strict control over the dwindling water resources.

  2. Rise of the Orphanages

    The Eco Protectorate establishes orphanages, turning children into mere pawns as they grow up in a harsh environment. These institutions are a grim reminder of the harsh realities faced by the children in this new world order.

  3. Emergence of a Wild Sport

    Amidst the despair, a rough and exhilarating sport combining lacrosse and roller hockey emerges as a beacon of hope for the children. This wild game becomes a source of joy and camaraderie, allowing them to escape their bleak existence temporarily.

  4. Daniel Finds the Orb

    Daniel, a young boy who is deaf, discovers a mysterious orb hidden in a cave, which he names Bodhi. This extraordinary artifact reveals itself to be an alien intelligence, granting Daniel the gift of hearing and the ability to summon rain indoors.

    Where
    a cave
  5. The Spread of News

    As word of Bodhi spreads, it sparks excitement among the children, offering a glimpse of hope for a better future. However, this news catches the attention of Darstar, who becomes determined to exploit the power of the alien artifact for his own gain.

  6. Darstar's Escape

    Darstar seizes the orb and flees from the orphanage on roller skates, creating a thrilling chase as Daniel pursues him. The chase intensifies as the other members of the group join in, united in their mission to reclaim Bodhi.

    Where
    the orphanage
  7. The E-Police Pursuit

    The relentless E-Police pursue Darstar during the chaotic chase, and eventually manage to capture him while he clutches the orb. This development introduces a new urgency to the teens’ plans, as they realize Bodhi is in serious danger.

  8. Eco Warriors Assemble

    In a bold move, the Eco Warriors, a group of battle-hardened outlaws, arrive to rescue Darstar and reclaim Bodhi. Their leader is revealed to be Greentree, Terra's long-lost father, who brings his experience and wisdom to guide the mission.

  9. Infiltrating the Water Storage Building

    The teens hatch a plan to infiltrate the heavily fortified Water Storage Building of the Eco Protectorate. Utilizing their roller skating skills, they evade security measures, enabling them to sneak inside and gather crucial information.

    Where
    Water Storage Building
  10. Exposing Evil Intentions

    Inside the Water Storage Building, the teens discover the dark intentions of the E-Police to destroy Bodhi. With time running out, they scramble to save the alien intelligence before it's too late.

    Where
    Water Storage Building
  11. Bodhi's Dematerialization

    In a heart-stopping moment, the group witnesses Bodhi dematerializing, producing intense moments of panic and despair. As they retreat, they are taken aback when water begins to flow back into their parched world, a testament to Bodhi's power.

    Where
    Water Storage Building
  12. The Thunderstorm

    The climax of the story unfolds when Bodhi generates a powerful thunderstorm, intertwining its energy with the teens. This connection deeply enhances their bond, highlighting the significance of their friendship amidst the chaos.

  13. The Dance of Ocean Waters

    After the dramatic showdown, the orphans find themselves on a hillside, experiencing newfound freedom as ocean waters dance at their feet. The scene symbolizes hope and rejuvenation, signifying a new beginning for the children.

    Where
    a hillside
  14. Joyful Reunion

    As the film draws to a close, the orphans joyfully play in the rejuvenated ocean, embracing their newly found sense of belonging. Darstar finally finds his place among them, showing that everyone deserves a second chance.

  15. A Poignant Moment

    In the final moments, Jason Patric and Terra share a deeply poignant moment, reflecting on the trials they have faced together. Their bond solidifies, marking the importance of companionship and resilience in overcoming adversity.

Last updated: November 17, 2024 at 21:44

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Timeline questions answered

Solarbabies Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Solarbabies (1986): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

How does Bodhi give Daniel the ability to hear?

Bodhi is an alien intelligence residing in the mysterious orb. When Daniel discovers it in the cave, the alien establishes a direct connection with him, granting him the gift of hearing. This transformation is immediate and permanent, allowing Daniel to experience sound for the first time in his life.

Foreshadowing: Earlier in the film, Daniel is established as being deaf, making his transformation more impactful.

  • bodhi
  • daniel
  • hearing
  • alien
  • orb
  • deaf
Q2

What happens to Bodhi in the Water Storage Building?

Inside the Water Storage Building, the teens discover the E-Police plan to destroy Bodhi. In the chaos, Bodhi dematerializes, but this act releases the water back into the world, restoring the parched environment. The alien sacrifices itself to fulfill its purpose.

Foreshadowing: Bodhi demonstrated the ability to summon rain indoors earlier, hinting at its power over water.

  • bodhi
  • dematerialize
  • water storage
  • eco police
  • destroy
Q3

Why does Darstar change sides and join the orphans at the end?

Darstar initially seizes Bodhi to exploit its power for himself, but after experiencing the group's teamwork, sacrifice, and the transformative events of the climax, he realizes true fulfillment comes from companionship rather than selfishness. The thunderstorm and shared ordeal create a bond that earns him acceptance into the group.

Foreshadowing: Darstar's initial capture of Bodhi was driven by greed, but his participation in the rescue mission shows his capacity for redemption.

  • darstar
  • redemption
  • orphan
  • thunderstorm
  • acceptance
Q4

How do the orphans successfully infiltrate the Water Storage Building?

The teens use their roller skating expertise to evade the Protectorate's security measures. Their plan involves skating through the heavily fortified building, using their agility and speed to avoid detection while accessing the restricted area where Bodhi is being held.

Foreshadowing: The sport combining lacrosse and roller hockey that the children play serves as training for this mission.

  • roller skating
  • infiltrate
  • water storage
  • security
  • orphan
Q5

What is the Eco Protectorate's role in the story?

The Eco Protectorate is a paramilitary group that controls the post-apocalyptic world by monopolizing the scarce water resources. They run orphanages where children are raised as pawns and maintain power through oppressive rule and the E-Police force. They represent the antagonist force that the teens must oppose.

Foreshadowing: The opening establishes the grey, devastated world under the Protectorate's strict control.

  • eco protectorate
  • water control
  • orphanage
  • oppression
  • e-police
Q6

How does Bodhi's dematerialization restore the world's water?

As an alien intelligence with power over water, Bodhi's self-destruction releases its stored energy back into the environment. This act triggers the restoration of water to the parched world, reversing the drought that has plagued humanity. The water flows back as a direct result of Bodhi's sacrifice.

Foreshadowing: Bodhi previously demonstrated weather manipulation by summoning rain indoors for Daniel.

  • bodhi
  • water
  • dematerialization
  • drought
  • restoration
Q7

Who are the Eco Warriors and what is their connection to Terra?

The Eco Warriors are a group of battle-hardened outlaws who oppose the Protectorate. Their leader is Greentree, who is revealed to be Terra's long-lost father. He guides the teens in their mission to rescue Bodhi and brings his experience and wisdom to help the group succeed.

Foreshadowing: Terra's backstory hints at a missing father figure, which is resolved when Greentree appears.

  • eco warriors
  • greentree
  • terra
  • father
  • outlaws
Q8

What causes the powerful thunderstorm at the climax?

Bodhi generates the massive thunderstorm as its final act before dematerializing. The alien channels its remaining energy into creating the storm, which intertwines with the teens, forging a profound emotional connection among them. This moment represents the culmination of Bodhi's bond with the children.

Foreshadowing: Bodhi's ability to create rain was established earlier when it summoned indoor rain for Daniel.

  • thunderstorm
  • bodhi
  • climax
  • energy
  • connection
Q9

Why is the roller hockey sport important to the story beyond entertainment?

The sport combining lacrosse and roller hockey serves as both emotional escape and practical training for the orphans. It builds their teamwork, agility, and roller skating skills, which they later use to infiltrate the Water Storage Building. The game represents hope and camaraderie in their bleak existence.

Foreshadowing: The opening establishes the sport as a beacon of hope for the children.

  • roller hockey
  • lacrosse
  • training
  • teamwork
  • hope
Q10

Why is water so scarce in the movie's world?

The planet's water resources were decimated, leaving humanity struggling to survive. The Eco Protectorate seized control of the remaining water supply, using it as a tool of oppression. This water scarcity drives the entire conflict, as the teens fight to restore water to their world.

Foreshadowing: The grey skies and devastated landscape immediately establish the desperate environmental conditions.

  • water
  • scarcity
  • drought
  • protection
  • world

Movie threads

More Movies Like Solarbabies, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Solarbabies tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Teen Rebellion Dystopias like Solarbabies

Where found families of resourceful teens defy oppressive systems for a better future. If you enjoyed watching the young heroes of Solarbabies fight the Protectorate, you'll find similar stories here. Explore other movies where bands of teenagers use their wits and bonds to defy oppressive regimes in dystopian settings, blending survival action with a hopeful, resilient spirit.

  • rebellious
  • hopeful
  • tense
  • adventurous
  • resilient
  • oppressive
  • Tone: hopeful, tense
  • Pacing: fast, adventurous
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a group of teenagers who become each other's family in a harsh world. Their central conflict is against a clearly defined, oppressive authority. The plot is driven by a series of daring escapes, confrontations, and a mission that tests their loyalty and courage, culminating in a victory that brings tangible hope or change.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their shared premise of youthful rebellion against dystopian control. They consistently balance the darkness of their settings with the energetic, hopeful drive of their young protagonists, creating a specific mix of high-intensity action and optimistic camaraderie.

Hopeful Post-Apocalyptic Movies like Solarbabies

Finding light, community, and renewal in the most desolate of worlds. Fans of Solarbabies' blend of a desolate setting with a hopeful adventure will appreciate this thread. Discover similar movies set in bleak, post-civilization worlds where the central theme is resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future, rather than pure grimdark survival.

  • hopeful
  • desolate
  • adventurous
  • resilient
  • oppressive
  • thrilling
  • Tone: hopeful, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The journey begins in a world stripped bare, often by ecological or societal collapse. The protagonists, while facing constant threats, are driven by a goal that represents hope, such as finding a legendary place, activating a powerful artifact, or simply building a new community. The narrative arc is about bringing light back into the darkness.

Why they belong together: This thread groups movies that share the unique contrast of a desolate, oppressive setting with a fundamentally hopeful and adventurous tone. The emotional experience is defined by this tension—feeling the weight of a broken world while being carried forward by a resilient, optimistic spirit.

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Movies Like Solarbabies

Similar movies to Solarbabies: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

Solarbabies (1986) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Solarbabies in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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