In the aftermath of a devastating five-day World War IV, the year is 2024, and the world has transformed into a barren desert wasteland. In this grim landscape, we meet Vic, a young man portrayed by Don Johnson, who possesses a rare ability: he can communicate telepathically with his dog, Blood, voiced by Tim McIntire. Born and raised in this desolate environment, Vic's life revolves around two primal urges—finding food and seeking companionship. Having lost both parents and lacking fundamental education, he is naive to the concepts of ethics and morality.
The duo—Vic and Blood—forge an unconventional partnership, with Blood acting as a well-read, cynical mentor who frequently assists Vic in locating women, which he does in exchange for sustenance. Their relationship is never without tension; notably, Blood annoys Vic by addressing him as "Albert," a nickname whose origins remain a mystery. Together, they navigate a treacherous world filled with marauders, deranged androids, and mutants, all while learning to rely on one another for survival.
While traversing the blasted terrain of what used to be Phoenix, Arizona, Blood often quizzes Vic on history, revealing details about the series of wars that have plagued their world: World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and ultimately the catastrophic World War IV, known as the Five-Day War. Despite whispers of an underground civilization populated by survivors known as the "downunders," both Vic and Blood have no interest in descending into these hidden depths.
Their harrowing journey takes a turn when Blood scents a woman nearby. Unfortunately, their plans are thwarted when they discover that a gang has already killed her after a violent assault. Blood's frustration mounts as he urges Vic to venture "over the hill" in search of a so-called paradise. Vic counters that they must first locate another woman for his needs.
Later on, Vic catches sight of a group of scavengers led by the formidable Fellini, a self-proclaimed "king" played by Ron Feinberg. Seizing the opportunity, Vic attempts to steal food from the gang. Impressed by his audacity, Fellini allows him to flee, but Vic and Blood are soon spied upon by a mysterious group plotting to ensnare them.
In the evening, Vic and Blood find themselves at a makeshift outdoor cinema, where Vic's attention is snagged by a disguised woman named Quilla June Holmes, portrayed by Susanne Benton. Intent on assaulting her, he is interrupted by Blood, who warns of incoming marauders. Following a chaotic skirmish in which Quilla saves Vic’s life, the two find themselves tangled in a passionate encounter.
However, when morning comes, Blood pushes Vic to abandon Quilla's allure, foreshadowing danger. Unbeknownst to Vic, Quilla is plotting her escape from her own entrapment and ultimately turns against him, knocking him out and fleeing. Misguided but hopeful, Vic pursues her, unwittingly descending into the underground where he encounters a bizarre and surreal society ruled by the grotesque "Committee" led by the imposing Lou Craddock, played by Jason Robards, who makes sinister plans regarding Vic’s role in the community.
The lowpoint comes when Vic learns that he has been chosen to repopulate the sterile underground denizens, and he finds himself strapped to a gurney, horrified at the revelation that his purpose involves reproducing with dozens of women.
Just as despair mounts, Quilla arrives to rescue Vic, sparking a frantic escape as they evade the Committee's iron grip. A confrontation reveals that their oppressor, Michael, is a killer robot. After a narrow escape, Vic and Quilla return to the surface only to confront their harsh reality: Blood is gravely ill and the world above has become increasingly dangerous.
Vic is faced with an impossible choice—rescue his beloved dog or follow Quilla into an uncertain future. As they struggle with their feelings, the last scene depicts Vic and Blood warming themselves by a campfire, contemplating their escape from the oppressive nightmare of the Topeka regime. Despite the surety of loss, they laugh together as they walk towards the sun rising over the horizon, filled with hope for a brighter tomorrow. Blood says, > "She had marvelous judgment... if not a particularly good taste (!)" as they set out, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead in their quest for paradise.
