THE NEEDLE

An original screenplay by Daniel Shafer

A motorcycle test rider with a world-altering time machine tries to reunite with his family as forces determined to seize the device hunt him through the future. With global power at stake, each forward jump forces him to choose between protecting the world and sacrificing years with the people he loves.

This is a high-octane, near-future science-fiction chase-thriller built around an emotional family drama. It combines the relentless pursuit of NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN with the time-bending family stakes of INTERSTELLAR and the temporal mechanics of LOOPER.

The story pits personal freedom against responsibility and escapism against the sacrifices required to belong to something larger than oneself. It embraces the idea that time is an arrow — moving relentlessly forward, with every choice carrying irreversible consequences.

Awards and Recognition:

One of 55 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Quarterfinalists in the 2024 Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest, a competition with over 10,000 entries.

One of 967 Quarterfinalists in the 2025 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards, a competition with 9,115 entries.

One of 120 Semifinalists in the 2023 Outstanding Screenplays Feature Competition, a contest with 2,130 entries.