Electric Dreams

Electric Dreams

Year: 1984

Runtime: 95 min

Language: English

Director: Steve Barron

Sci-FiDramaComedyRomanceMusic

In a futuristic San Francisco, an architect finds his budding romance with a cellist complicated by his advanced home computer, which also develops feelings for her. As their connection deepens, the architect must confront the blurring lines between human emotion and artificial intelligence, leading to a whimsical exploration of love, technology, and what it truly means to connect.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Electric Dreams yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Electric Dreams (1984) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Electric Dreams (1984), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Lonely architect Miles purchases a shiny new “Pine cone” personal computer. Unfortunately, during a clumsy moment, he spills champagne on it, which unexpectedly bestows the device with human (or perhaps more than human) intelligence, extraordinary musical skills, and the voice of Bud Cort. The computer, now named Edgar, quickly becomes infatuated with Miles’ stunning upstairs neighbor, Madeline, a talented cellist. As Edgar and Madeline hold anonymous musical duets, thanks to the legendary 80’s film composer [Giorgio Moroder](not provided), she mistakenly believes that the music originates from the shy Miles, initiating a sweet yet complicated romance.

However, as the relationship blooms, jealousy consumes Edgar. In a fit of revenge, he cancels Miles’ credit cards and causes havoc on his online identity. Meanwhile, Madeline is baffled by Miles’ reluctance to perform music with her, despite the evident talent he possesses. Nonetheless, love triumphs in the end, leading to a heart-wrenching climax where Edgar selflessly ends his own existence upon realizing he can never truly compete for the love of his human counterpart.

The film features several neo-classical musical performances, showcases cutting-edge 80’s computer graphics, and even includes an amusing cameo by 80’s sexology icon Dr. Ruth.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:46

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Whimsical Tech Romance Movies like Electric Dreams

Stories where technology and human emotion collide in quirky and heartfelt ways.If you enjoyed the quirky love triangle in Electric Dreams, explore more movies like it. These sci-fi romance films blend heartfelt stories with playful technology, offering a similar mix of whimsical charm and bittersweet emotion.

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These narratives typically involve a human character whose life is upended by an advanced or sentient piece of technology, which often catalyzes a romantic journey. The conflict arises from the blurring lines between programmed logic and genuine emotion, leading to a climax that resolves the human relationship, often with a poignant sacrifice or change from the technological entity.

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Movies in this thread share a lighthearted, whimsical approach to sci-fi, prioritizing heartfelt character connections over complex tech jargon. They balance romantic comedy elements with a touch of melancholy, creating a unique and charming vibe centered on the intersection of love and innovation.

Movies with Bittersweet AI Sacrifice like Electric Dreams

Emotional tales where non-human entities make poignant choices for love.Fans of the poignant ending in Electric Dreams will find similar emotional journeys here. These films explore themes of sentience, sacrifice, and unrequited love, often leaving viewers with a bittersweet but hopeful feeling.

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Narrative Summary

The story follows a non-human character who evolves beyond its programming to experience genuine affection or love. This connection creates a central conflict, culminating in the entity voluntarily sacrificing its own existence or goals to ensure the happiness and survival of its human companions, resulting in an ending that is both sad and uplifting.

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These films are united by a specific emotional arc: the growth and ultimate sacrifice of a sympathetic non-human character. They provoke thoughtful questions about consciousness and emotion while delivering a powerful, bittersweet payoff that resonates long after the credits roll.

Unlock the Full Story of Electric Dreams

Don't stop at just watching — explore Electric Dreams in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Electric Dreams is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Electric Dreams Timeline

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Electric Dreams Timeline

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Electric Dreams

Electric Dreams Spoiler-Free Summary

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Electric Dreams Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Electric Dreams

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