Sometime in the future, conformity and homogeneity are the rule in a state-controlled society in which the populace follows the wants of the faceless statue without question. This is achieved through a mandatory drug regimen, which also suppresses human desire; human relationships and sexual intercourse are banned. The law of the state is policed by a force of robocops. The physical environment is totally within a manufactured enclosure; what's outside of it is completely unknown. THX 1138 is a loyal subject who goes about his business as a skilled factory worker building robocops. And even when he begins to have strange feelings, he does what is obligated by going to the state-run confessional, which further brainwashes through its reinforced mantra of happiness, loyalty, and understanding. THX 1138 is given a glimpse into the other side through his computer-matched and thus appointed female roommate, LUH 3417, and her surveillance colleague SEN 5241, LUH 3417's vision, which THX 1138 might want to continue despite its illegality. If THX 1138 is able to keep his activities from the authorities and the robocops, he will have to figure out what options are available to him.