Sleeper (1973) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Miles Monroe is Cryogenically Frozen

In 1973, Miles Monroe, a health food store owner, enters a hospital for a routine ulcer operation. However, he unexpectedly never regains consciousness and is cryogenically frozen, setting the stage for his future revival.

When

1973

Where

Greenwich Village

Miles Awakens in 2173

In the year 2173, doctors revive Miles from his cryogenic state, peeling off his tinfoil covering. He awakens to find himself in a futuristic and oppressive society called the American Federation, where he is considered a fugitive.

When

2173

Miles Discovers the Totalitarian State

As Miles gets accustomed to his new surroundings, he learns about the totalitarian regime led by a figure known only as 'The Leader'. The doctors who revived him are apprehensive about his identity being revealed, fearing that he could be reprogrammed.

Escape from the Doctors

When the security police arrive to apprehend the doctors, Miles seizes the opportunity to escape. He flees the scene, narrowly avoiding capture, while the doctors are detained.

Disguised as a Robot

Miles hides in a van filled with robots and ingeniously disguises himself as one of them. This ruse leads him to the home of poet Luna Schlosser, who is expecting a servant for her upcoming party.

Chaos at Luna's Party

While preparing for the party, Miles struggles to understand the unfamiliar cooking methods of the future. His inexperience leads to disaster when he accidentally creates a pudding mess in the kitchen while guests indulge in a strange synthetic drug.

Where

Luna's home

Luna Enters the Orgasmatron

After the party chaos, Luna enters the orgasmatron with her artist friend Herald. Their encounter leads to a casual discussion about art and biological imperfections, reflecting the absurdity of their new reality.

Hijacking Luna's Car

When Luna discovers Miles's true identity and screams for help, he hijacks her car and drives into the woods. To save her from being captured, Miles forces Luna to help him by promising her food.

Where

The Woods

Dinner on Giant Produce

In a humorous twist, Miles and Luna encounter oversized fruits in a nearby farm. They bond over an unconventional dinner featuring a canoe-sized banana, showcasing the peculiarities of the future's agriculture.

Where

Farm

The Police Confrontation

Trying to borrow a car, Miles's plans backfire when Luna betrays him to the police, leading to a frantic chase. In a daring act, Miles battles the police before escaping across a river, utilizing a quirky inflatable suit.

Where

River

Reprogrammed and Living the Good Life

After being captured again, Miles is reprogrammed to fit into society and starts living a new life with new clothes and a job. Meanwhile, Luna continues her underground mission while remaining in love with Miles.

Miles's Jealousy and Mission

When Miles encounters Luna during a surprise visit, he's horrified to learn that she is now involved with the underground revolutionary, Erno. This leads him to agree to help Erno's plan, motivated by jealousy and love.

The Plot Against The Leader

Miles and Luna infiltrate a secret medical meeting where they learn of a plot that has left The Leader incapacitated. They devise a plan to create a diversion to secure a vital piece of evidence, the Leader's nose.

Where

Medical Facility

The Great Escape with the Nose

In a chaotic moment, Miles takes the nose hostage to escape but, in a panic, he ends up throwing it under a steamroller. This sends shockwaves through the authorities, and it symbolizes Miles's defiance against the regime.

Declaration of Love

After various trials and chaos, Miles and Luna affirm their love for each other. Amidst the absurdity of their situation, they share a kiss, contemplating the challenges of their relationship in a misguided world.