In the devastated landscapes of a 2017 United States, a grim aftermath of an economic collapse has led to a world scattered with desolate wastelands intertwined with isolated communities. Amidst this harsh reality, the remnants of once-reliable systems are being scavenged and repurposed, as society adopts an increasingly sanitized and bureaucratic structure. Relationships among people have evolved into a confusing blend of hypersexuality and aversion to intimacy, catalyzing the rise of mechanical replacements for human companionship, exemplified by gynoids crafted to act as surrogate wives.
For the business executive Sam Treadwell (Laurence Fishburne), life takes an unforeseen twist when his beloved Cherry 2000 model wife experiences a malfunction during a passionate moment on a slippery kitchen floor. When the repairman delivers the harsh news that she cannot be repaired, Sam embarks on a quest for a new companion, driven by the need to preserve the valuable memory disk that contains Cherry's entire personality. However, to his dismay, the gynoid dealer reveals that the rare Cherry 2000 model is no longer being manufactured, and the last remaining units can be located in the perilous Zone 7—setting Sam on a treacherous path.
With the disembodied voice of Cherry echoing from a device tethered to her memory disk, Sam enlists the help of Edith "E" Johnson (Melanie Griffith), a seasoned tracker equipped with a modified 1965 Ford Mustang. Their adventure kicks off into the lawless expanse of Zone 7, where they encounter Lester, a self-proclaimed overlord who rules over his distorted territory with an iron fist.
As they navigate this dangerous terrain, Edith and Sam find temporary refuge in an underground reservoir occupied by Six-Fingered Jake (Harry Carey Jr.), an elderly tracker who served as Edith’s mentor. Their moment of solace, however, is shattered when Lester's gang launches an attack, knocking Sam unconscious and leaving him vulnerable to capture. Complicating matters is Ginger (previously known as Elaine), a former romantic interest of Sam’s, who reveals her allegiance to Lester.
Although initially drawn into Lester’s crew, Sam quickly grows weary of their savage treatment towards others, culminating in his decision to escape. He finds a way back to Edith and Jake, only to discover that Jake has been safeguarding Cherry's memory disk all along. He hands it over to Edith and prepares to confront Lester’s gang, diverting their attention to ensure Sam and Edith's safety.
Sam, proving his resolve as a battle-ready warrior, forges a deeper bond with Edith throughout their tribulations. Yet, their budding emotions are momentarily hindered when a chance audio transmission of Cherry’s voice triggers painful memories for Sam. But undeterred, they continue their quest until they reach a dilapidated brothel/gas station run by Snappy Tom, a confidant of Jake’s. Here, Edith’s ingenuity shines as she begins to fix an old Aeronca Champion light airplane using salvaged parts.
Their mission takes a grim turn when Jake arrives, sharing fond memories with Snappy Tom before the latter's girlfriend betrays their location to Lester via radio. Tragically, Jake becomes a casualty of a violent gunfight as he is shot in the back, leaving Edith and Sam to make a narrow escape in the plane they had just restored.
Grieving the senseless loss of their friend, both Edith and Sam find renewed determination to fulfill their mission. Driven to ensure that Jake’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain, they forge ahead towards the enigmatic Zone 7. Upon finally landing, they uncover the abandoned ruins of Las Vegas, where its once vibrant casinos now stand lifeless and hollow.
Determined to honor Jake’s legacy, Edith embarks on a mission to locate a fully operational Cherry 2000 model, successfully activating it with the critical memory disk. Yet, Sam soon realizes that this new gynoid, programmed merely for domestic tasks and intimate interactions, is ill-prepared to confront the threats closing in from Lester's gang.
In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Sam, Edith, and Cherry attempt to escape in the airplane, only to find that the combined weight makes takeoff impossible. Demonstrating sheer bravery, Edith jumps from the plane to allow Sam and Cherry to flee, leading Sam to a poignant realization that this artificial companion cannot replicate the genuine connection he shares with Edith.
In a moment of reflection, Cherry offers to fetch Sam a Pepsi, prompting him to send her on the errand while he commits to standing alongside Edith. Together, they resolutely fight off Lester's gang and take flight once more. In a comical twist, Lester's attempt to lasso their airplane backfires, leading to his own fate as he hangs helplessly from a decaying Las Vegas neon sign.
As the dust of their harrowing journey settles, Sam and Edith share a sincere kiss while soaring into the sunset, leaving behind the perils and chaos they faced.
