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Solarbabies (1986) Plot Summary & Timeline

Solarbabies (1986) movie poster

Solarbabies is a 1986 action and adventure film directed by Alan Johnson, running 1 hour 34 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 418 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 3 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Solarbabies.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
3
themes explained
3
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Solarbabies (1986) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 34m
Director
Alan Johnson
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Solarbabies About?

The premise of Solarbabies in 264 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a world where the sky has been stripped of its color and the land is cracked by relentless drought, humanity clings to survival beneath the shadow of the Eco Protectorate. The regime’s grip is enforced through brutal, hockey‑like contests that provide the only flicker of excitement for the orphaned youths left to wander the scorched streets. Their daily existence is a blend of scarcity and constant vigilance, a harsh backdrop that fuels both fear and an unspoken yearning for something more.

Leading this rag‑tag band of survivors are Jason, a charismatic and daring young man, and Terra, a fierce strategist who balances his impulsiveness with a pragmatic edge. Alongside them is Daniel, a deaf boy whose quiet resilience hints at untapped potential. Together with their friends—each carrying their own scars and hopes—they navigate a society that treats them as expendable pieces in a larger, unforgiving game. Their camaraderie is forged in the neon‑lit arenas where they skate, strike, and laugh, turning a ruthless pastime into a vital lifeline that knits their identities together.

The fragile equilibrium of this desolate world is suddenly disturbed when Daniel uncovers a strange, otherworldly sphere hidden in the ruins of an abandoned cave. Its mysterious presence whispers of possibilities beyond the Protectorate’s control, igniting curiosity and a restless drive among the youths to understand what it might mean for their future. Beneath the relentless sun and the echoing cheers of the arenas, the discovery hints at a crack in the oppressive order—an opening for hope, rebellion, and the promise of a new destiny waiting just beyond the horizon.

Full plot

What Happens in Solarbabies?

The complete story of Solarbabies, from the first scene to the last, in 418 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.

Spoilers ahead

In a devastated world where the once vibrant skies are now perpetually grey, the remnants of humanity struggle for survival under the tight control of the Eco Protectorate. This paramilitary group has decimated the planet’s water resources, enforcing an oppressive new world order as unforgiving as the orphanages they’ve established for children turned into mere pawns. Amidst this dismal existence, a rough and exhilarating sport has emerged as a beacon of hope for these wayward kids: a wild combination of lacrosse and roller hockey that injects life into their bleak surroundings.

In this tight-knit band of misfits, we find Jason Patric, the courageous leader, along with his friends Terra, Tug, Rabbit, Metron, and Daniel, a young boy who is deaf. Daniel’s life takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers a mysterious orb hidden in a cave. This remarkable artifact is revealed to be Bodhi, an alien intelligence that grants Daniel the gift of hearing and the extraordinary ability to summon rain indoors—offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world that transcends their dreary reality.

As the news about this wonder spreads like wildfire, the nefarious Darstar, eager to exploit its power, seizes the orb and flees the orphanage on roller skates, with Daniel in hot pursuit—closely followed by the rest of the group. Meanwhile, the E-Police are relentless in their chase, managing to capture Darstar as he clutches Bodhi’s sphere. This sets the stage for a thrilling rescue mission led by the Eco Warriors, a group of battle-hardened outlaws under the guidance of Terra’s long-lost father, Greentree.

After rescuing Darstar, the teens devise a plan to infiltrate the heavily fortified Water Storage Building of the Protectorate. Their roller skating skills allow them to evade security measures effectively. Inside, they expose the E-Police’s dark intention to destroy Bodhi, racing against time to save the alien. In a heart-stopping moment, they witness Bodhi dematerializing, which leads to a sudden restoration of water being released back into their parched world as they make a hasty retreat.

The climax culminates in Bodhi generating a powerful thunderstorm, its energy pulsating through the teens and forging a profound connection among them. After this tumultuous experience, the orphans find themselves on a hillside, enveloped in the newfound freedom as ocean waters dance at their feet.

As the credits roll, we see these orphans joyfully playing in the rejuvenated ocean, with Darstar finally finding his place among them, while Jason Patric and Terra share a poignant moment, their bond deepened by the trials they have endured together.

Timeline

Solarbabies Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “The Grey Skies” to “A Poignant Moment”. 6 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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

Show the other 5 events of Solarbabies
  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Solarbabies?

3 characters, among them Daniel, Terra and Jason Patric: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 2 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • D

    Daniel

    Daniel is a young boy who faces significant challenges but is ultimately brave and resilient. His discovery of Bodhi sparks a transformation, granting him the gift of hearing and an important role in the group's mission. Despite his deafness, he becomes a vital leader, showcasing incredible determination in pursuing hope and connection.

    • 👦 Boy
    • 🌟 Leader
    • 🛹 Tenacious
  • Sarah Douglas as Terra in Solarbabies

    Terra

    Played by Sarah Douglas

    Terra is a fierce and capable warrior, bringing strength and leadership to the group as they navigate their struggles. She is deeply connected to both her friends and her father, adding emotional depth to her character. Terra's resilience and resourcefulness make her instrumental in the quest to save Bodhi and restore balance.

    • 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Friend
    • 🚀 Brave
    • 🔥 Determined
  • Jason Patric as Jason Patric in Solarbabies

    Jason Patric

    Played by Jason Patric

    As the courageous leader of the misfit group, he embodies strength and an unwavering commitment to his friends. His character brings a sense of hope and determination as he guides the team through perilous challenges. He nurtures their desire for freedom, driving the narrative towards a warmer conclusion.

    • 👮‍♂️ Leader
    • 💪 Strong
    • 🚀 Hopeful
Setting

Where and When Is Solarbabies Set?

Solarbabies is set in Devastated World, Eco Protectorate, Orphanages and Water Storage Building (Post-apocalyptic future). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.

When

Post-apocalyptic future

Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the narrative unfolds in a society where resources are scarce and children are treated as mere pawns in a battle for water. This chaotic time is marked by oppressive regimes, vibrant underground sports that offer fleeting moments of freedom, and the discovery of extraordinary alien artifacts that promise more than just survival.

Where

Devastated World, Eco Protectorate, Orphanages, Water Storage Building

The movie takes place in a ravaged world, where the skies are perpetually grey and humanity fights for survival. The Eco Protectorate controls the dwindling water resources with an iron fist, while orphanages serve as daunting reminders of the fate met by the children. Among the significant locations is the heavily fortified Water Storage Building, a stronghold of the Protectorate with dark secrets.

  • 🌍 World
  • 🏭 Facility
  • 🏠 Orphanage
Themes

What Are the Themes of Solarbabies?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Hope, Friendship and Rebellion.

  1. 01

    Hope

    Amidst the bleakness of their existence, the theme of hope shines through the introduction of the alien intelligence, Bodhi. The children's quest to save this entity symbolizes their collective wish to restore balance to their parched world. Through sports and unity, they find resilience and the promise of a brighter future, emphasizing the indomitable spirit of youth.

  2. 02

    Friendship

    The bond between the orphaned friends is pivotal to their survival and success. As they work together to save Bodhi, they demonstrate loyalty, courage, and the power of companionship. Their journey not only deepens their connections but also showcases the strength found in unity, drawing them closer against the backdrop of adversity.

  3. 03

    Rebellion

    The movie highlights the struggle against tyranny as the Eco Warriors rise against the oppressive Eco Protectorate. Their determination to rescue Bodhi from the hands of the E-Police exemplifies a larger fight for freedom and autonomy. This theme resonates strongly in a world where control and oppression seem to dictate existence, fueling their desire for change.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Solarbabies?

Hopeful in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Hopeful
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced, hopeful adventure set in a desolate, oppressive world, where a group of resilient teenagers use their roller-skating skills to fight for survival and ultimately bring renewal to their parched land.

  • hopeful
  • oppressive
  • thrilling
  • adventurous
  • tense
  • resilient
  • post apocalyptic
  • teen rebellion
  • survival
  • found family

Content notes: child endangerment, oppressive regime.

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FAQ

Solarbabies Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Solarbabies, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Solarbabies about?

In a world where the sky has been stripped of its color and the land is cracked by relentless drought, humanity clings to survival beneath the shadow of the Eco Protectorate.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Solarbabies take place?

Solarbabies is set in Devastated World, Eco Protectorate, Orphanages and Water Storage Building (Post-apocalyptic future). Set in a post-apocalyptic future, the narrative unfolds in a society where resources are scarce and children are treated as mere pawns in a battle for water.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Solarbabies?

The story follows Daniel, Terra (played by Sarah Douglas) and Jason Patric (played by Jason Patric).

All the characters

What are the main themes of Solarbabies?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Hope, Friendship and Rebellion.

The themes explained

Who directed Solarbabies?

Solarbabies (1986) was directed by Alan Johnson and runs 1 hour 34 minutes.

Alan Johnson’s films

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