THX 1138

THX 1138

Year: 1971

Runtime: 86 min

Language: English

Director: George Lucas

Sci-FiDramaMysteryThrillerHorrorCrime

In a futuristic society where emotions are chemically suppressed and individuality is outlawed, THX 1138 and LUH 3417 defy the system. Rejecting their mandatory medication, they experience love and discover a desire for freedom. Now branded as criminals, they flee from the omnipresent robotic enforcers and venture into a dark, subterranean world, struggling to survive and fight for their right to feel and be human.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen THX 1138 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!

THX 1138 (1971) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of THX 1138 (1971), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In a dystopian 21st century, society imposes strict restrictions: sexual intercourse and reproduction are forbidden, while the consumption of mind-altering substances is mandated to maintain control over the populace. Emotions, relationships, and even the very idea of family are deemed taboo. Citizens wear identical uniforms and have shaven heads to symbolize their enforced equality, contrasting with the police androids who don black uniforms and the robed monks. Instead of personal names, individuals are assigned a three-letter designation followed by a four-digit number, which is displayed on their identity badges at all times.

As the narrative unfolds, we meet SEN 5241 and LUH 3417, who are responsible for overseeing the city’s surveillance from their posts in central video control centers. LUH shares a living space with THX 1138, a factory worker engaged in the production of android police officers. At the story’s onset, THX, while enduring an incessant call for increased safety—celebrating a relatively low worker casualty rate of 195 compared to a rival factory’s 242—decides to leave his job.

On his journey home, THX stops at a confession booth, diligently murmuring prayers under the portrait of “OMM 0000”. A calming voice assures him, concluding each confession with, > “You are a true believer, blessings of the State, blessings of the masses. Work hard, increase production, prevent accidents, and be happy.”

Upon returning home, THX engages with holobroadcasts while under the influence of prescribed drugs and even utilizes a device for self-gratification. Meanwhile, LUH illicitly replaces THX’s drugs with pills she possesses, which leads to THX experiencing both physical discomfort and confusion. This act also sparks a romantic bond between them, culminating in their first physical intimacy.

Things take a turn when THX is assigned with SEN, who becomes his new roommate. However, a complaint against SEN regarding an illegal housing arrangement creates chaos in THX’s life. The absence of his usual drugs leads him to struggle during a critical work assignment, prompting a “mind lock” that heightens the risks at his job. When released from the mind lock, THX manages to rectify his performance, but it’s too late: both THX and LUH find themselves arrested.

In a brief moment of hope, THX and LUH reconnect, only for her to reveal she is pregnant. Their fates soon collide at THX’s trial, resulting in a prison sentence for both him and SEN. While many inmates exhibit no interest in escaping, THX and SEN ultimately discover a way out, subsequently joined by SRT 5752, a holographic character from the holobroadcasts.

As the trio attempts to flee, they become separated from SEN, who wanders into a child-rearing area but soon falls into the hands of police androids. In a desperate twist, THX and SRT steal vehicles but encounter disaster when SRT crashes into a concrete barrier during their escape. With police androids hot on their heels, THX races to the outskirts of the city and dives into a ventilation shaft, narrowly evading capture as Central Command orders the termination of pursuit due to budget constraints.

In a stunning revelation, it is unveiled that their entire city is situated underground. Finally emerging onto the surface, THX beholds the mesmerizing sunset, a sight that symbolizes freedom and the profound beauty of the world beyond the confines of their oppressive society.

Last Updated: November 02, 2024 at 12:25

Unlock the Full Story of THX 1138

Don't stop at just watching — explore THX 1138 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 THX 1138 is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

THX 1138 Timeline

Track the full timeline of THX 1138 with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

THX 1138 Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in THX 1138

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape THX 1138. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in THX 1138

More About THX 1138

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about THX 1138: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About THX 1138

Similar Movies to THX 1138

Discover movies like THX 1138 that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.