In the vibrant city of Oakland, a controversial company known as WorryFree promotes an unprecedented deal: free food and lodging in exchange for a lifetime work contract, a concept that some argue doesn't equate to slavery. A passionate group called "The Left Eye" emerges to stand against WorryFree, engaging in protests and vandalizing the company's advertisements.
Cassius "Cash" Green, portrayed by Lakeith Stanfield, finds himself in a tough situation, living in his uncle's garage with his girlfriend, Detroit, played by Tessa Thompson, who is both an artist and an activist with The Left Eye. Struggling to make ends meet, Cash secures a job as a telemarketer at RegalView but faces challenges connecting with customers. Fortunately, his wise mentor, Langston (Danny Glover), teaches him the art of employing his "white voice," which allows Cash to thrive in his role and gain the recognition of his superiors who tease him about his potential to become a "Power Caller."
Simultaneously, Cash's colleague, Squeeze (Steven Yeun), initiates an effort to establish a telemarketer's union and invites Cash, Detroit, and their friend Sal (Jermaine Fowler) to participate. During a demonstration against their employer, Cash surprisingly receives a promotion instead of being fired due to his new qualification as a Power Caller. This newfound status catapults him into the luxuries of the Power Caller suite, where he learns about RegalView’s shady dealings with WorryFree, which include arms trading and the exploitation of labor.
Despite his rising success, Cash's discomfort with his job grows, overshadowed by his increase in salary that allows him to upgrade his lifestyle significantly by buying a new car and helping his uncle, played by Terry Crews, pay off his home. Yet, as Cash becomes consumed by work, his relationship with Detroit begins to falter. The once-solid connection is further strained when Cash crosses union picket lines, triggering a sensational internet meme when he gets hit with a soda can during a protest.
As he climbs the corporate ladder, Cash receives an invitation to a lavish party hosted by Steve Lift (Armie Hammer), the head of WorryFree, who appears fascinated by Cash's abilities. During a one-on-one meeting, Lift offers Cash a mysterious substance to inhale. While searching for a restroom, Cash inadvertently stumbles upon a harrowing sight: a half-human, half-horse creature chained up, pleading for freedom. In panic, he drops his phone and bumps into Lift, who reveals the shocking future WorryFree envisions—"Equisapiens," genetically engineered workers meant to be stronger and more obedient through the use of the powder Cash just inhaled.
Lift proposes a tempting deal: Cash can become an Equisapien himself, serving as a false revolutionary while receiving a staggering $100 million over five years, after which he could return to his normal self. Fearful yet intrigued, Cash exits in a state of panic. Upon meeting Detroit again, she reveals a disturbing video from Cash's phone, embodying a cry for help from the Equisapiens. To amplify the message, Cash joins a reality show titled I Got the Shit Kicked Out of Me!, leveraging his viral status as a meme to spotlight the plight of the Equisapiens.
However, Cash's scheme backfires spectacularly when Lift's initiative is lauded as a remarkable scientific breakthrough, resulting in soaring stock prices for WorryFree. Filled with remorse, Cash seeks forgiveness from his comrades Squeeze, Sal, and Detroit, eventually deciding to rejoin the union in a final push against RegalView.
Determined to make a difference, Cash cracks the security code from the viral video, infiltrating Lift's home and then heading to the protesting picket line, which escalates into chaos as police arrive. After being knocked out by an officer, Cash awakens to a confrontation between the Equisapiens and law enforcement, the latter overpowered by the former thanks to their extraordinary strength. The Equisapiens express their gratitude to Cash and depart to continue their fight.
In a moment of reconciliation, Cash and Detroit's relationship mends, and they find some semblance of normalcy—until Cash starts experiencing physical changes, notably growing horse nostrils. During a mid-credit scene, the transformed Cash leads a band of Equisapiens to Lift's residence, cheekily greeting him over the intercom with a chilling, "sorry to bother you," just before orchestrating a forceful entrance into his home.
