What is the dream machine and why is it important?

The dream machine is an invention by Shana's father that holds the secret to returning to life after death, making it highly sought after by foreign spies.

How does Shana become involved in the conflict?

After her family is murdered for knowledge of the resurrection procedure, Shana, who possesses this knowledge herself, becomes both target and pursuer.

Drama Cult Classic

An actress takes revenge on her family's killers while hunted for a life-after-death secret.

MIND TRAP

Q: What is Mind Trap about?

Mind Trap is about an actress named Shana who seeks revenge after her family is killed by Russian spies seeking her father's invention that enables resurrection.

Total Mind Seduction

1989 · 1h 30m · NR · Drama / Horror / Mystery · IMDB TMDB

An actress takes revenge on a murderous team of sadistic Russian spies bent on locating the mysterious dream machine her father invented.

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Quick Answer

What is Mind Trap about?

Mind Trap is a 1989 American drama, horror, and mystery film directed by Eames Demetrios about an actress who seeks revenge after her family is murdered by Russian spies seeking her father's resurrection technology.

Programmer's Pick

Dream machines, Russian assassins, and a vengeful actress—Mind Trap is a cold-war fever dream where the body count is almost as high as the plot twists. If you like your revenge served with side orders of severed fingers and music performances, this cult oddity has you covered.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

When Shana's father discovers a way to return from the dead, it draws the lethal attention of foreign operatives—Russian spies willing to kill for the secret. After the brutal murder of her parents and sister, Shana, an actress with knowledge of the coveted procedure, finds herself at the center of a deadly power struggle. Not only is her boyfriend involved with those seeking the technology, but her own industry connections muddy the waters between reality and performance. As she is forced into the dual roles of vengeful pursuer and hunted quarry, Shana navigates betrayal, violence, and the shadowy world of espionage—all while the mysterious dream machine looms as the key to power and survival.

Details & Specs

Director: Eames Demetrios
Writers: Bill Hart, Jay Sri
Release: 1989
Runtime: 1h 30m
Language: English, Hungarian
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Also Known As: Danger USA, Mind Trap (original title)

Cast & Crew

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Director: Eames Demetrios Writers: Bill Hart +1 more

Dan Haggerty Sergei

Lyle Waggoner Ben MK Martha Kincare Shana Beddow TE Thomas Elliott Robby

Sam Hill Wratka

Maureen LaVette Sonja JB Jacquie Banan Ginger Beddow

D.L. Walker Whippee (credited as David Walker) LK Larry Kelsey Mojo (credited as Kelsey)

Explore More

Revenge Husband Wife Relationship Father Daughter Relationship Stabbed To Death Attempted Rape Mother Daughter Relationship Held At Gunpoint Shot In The Chest Sexual Assault Sister Sister Relationship Hitman Film Within A Film Actress Dominatrix Father Ambiguous Ending

Why Cult

Dream Machine Mystery

The film revolves around a secret device invented by Shana's father that supposedly allows resurrection, making it the target of international intrigue.

Revenge-Driven Heroine

Shana transforms from grieving daughter to relentless avenger, blurring the lines between victim and vigilante.

Russian Spy Antagonists

Sadistic Russian agents, including assassins and villainesses, bring a cold-war flavor and plenty of mayhem to the hunt for forbidden knowledge.

Meta Film Layer

Shana's life as an actress and the presence of a film-within-a-film creates a surreal, self-aware atmosphere.