Engineers Aaron (Shane Carruth) and Abe (David Sullivan) work alongside their two friends to build and sell technology that detects errors. In the midst of working, the group unintentionally creates a time machine, which they modify to have the ability to transport a human through time. At first glance, they think their invention is brilliant, but soon discover that their latest invention has negative consequences on their jobs, their relationships, and life as they know it. While it is an indie film, Primer nonetheless has a similar impact on its audience as Inception does, tackling themes of time travel and the human desire for exploration.