Peyton Westlake, a talented scientist, has been disfigured and scarred in a tragic accident. Despite his physical scars, he dedicates himself to perfecting a groundbreaking synthetic skin formula that could restore his appearance. To fund his research, he adopts the role of a vigilante known as Darkman, stealing from criminals and fighting against crime in the shadows. His synthetic skin, though revolutionary, remains limited by a significant flaw: it is extremely sensitive to light and can only last 99 minutes in the presence of sunlight before breaking down, making everyday life a constant challenge.
After defeating the ruthless crime boss Robert G. Durant, played by Larry Drake, Westlake hopes to continue his quest for a permanent solution. However, Durant survives the confrontation and is left in a coma. Unexpectedly, Durant awakens and quickly sets plans in motion for revenge. He swiftly assembles a team of his former allies, including the cunning scientist Dr. Alfred Hathaway, who has been developing advanced particle-beam weaponry capable of destroying entire buildings. Durant’s goal is to obtain these destructive devices and sell them on the black market, aiming to distribute high-powered weapons to dangerous groups, including white supremacists.
Meanwhile, Westlake encounters a fellow scientist named David Brinkman, played by Jesse Collins. Disguised and operating under a false identity, Westlake befriends Brinkman, who has made progress in overcoming the photosensitivity limitation of synthetic skin—successfully extending durability beyond the 99-minute limit. Recognizing the potential of their combined efforts, Westlake proposes a partnership to develop permanent synthetic skin. Brinkman, who is also dealing with personal issues involving his sister Laurie Brinkman (who is on uneasy terms with him), agrees to collaborate.
Durant, sensing the strategic importance of Brinkman’s lab—one of the few locations with the necessary power supply for his plans—makes a ruthless move. When Brinkman refuses Durant’s offer to buy the lab, Durant’s men brutally torture and murder him in retaliation. Westlake uncovers Brinkman’s body and notices that one of his fingers has been cut off, a calling card of Durant’s terror tactics. Realizing that his old nemesis is still alive and dangerous, Westlake swears revenge.
As the story unfolds, Hathaway completes his devastating particle-beam weapons, which possess enough power to destroy small buildings with a single shot. Durant begins lining up buyers, including a dangerous group of white supremacists eager to use the weapons for chaos and destruction. Westlake, meanwhile, learns about Durant’s return to the criminal scene through a TV report and seeks out journalist Jill Randall, played by [Kim Delaney], to gather more information. She becomes suspicious of Westlake and runs his fingerprints, eventually uncovering his true identity. Although reluctant at first, Westlake starts working with her, sharing his knowledge about Durant’s plans.
Tragedy strikes when Durant, now fully aware of Randall's investigations, kills her with a car bomb, further fueling Westlake’s desire for justice. Determined to prevent Durant from making more destructive weapons, Westlake tries to protect Laurie, who is being pressured into selling her building to Durant. When she refuses, Durant kidnaps her, forcing Westlake into action. Disguised as Durant’s thugs using his synthetic skin, Westlake infiltrates Durant’s hideout, leading to a fierce confrontation. During the chaos, Westlake manages to kill Durant and his associates, who include Hathaway and the white supremacists, in a final showdown.
As Durant attempts to escape in his car, Westlake has anticipated his move. He rigs the vehicle with a bomb, and during the ensuing explosion, Durant meets his ultimate demise. With his enemies defeated and Laurie safe, Westlake bids her farewell, haunted but resolute. In the closing moments, he watches the news report confirming Randall’s death, and with a quiet but determined spirit, he vows to continue his solitary fight against crime and injustice, carrying the scars of his past as a reminder of the ongoing battle between darkness and justice.
