World on a Wire (1973)

The Institute for Cybernetics and Futurology developed a groundbreaking supercomputer designed to run a complex simulation. This revolutionary machine houses over 9,000 identity units, who live their entire lives unaware of their virtual existence.

Professor Vollmer, the technical director of the simulation, experiences increasing disturbances as he comes closer to a major revelation regarding the nature of the simulation. His behavior escalates to the point of withdrawal and paranoia before he meets a mysterious demise.

Following Vollmer's untimely death, Dr. Fred Stiller steps in as the new technical director. He engages in a perplexing conversation with security consultant Günther Lause, who holds crucial information about Vollmer's secret.

Just when Stiller is about to learn the truth, Lause mysteriously vanishes without a trace. This incident leaves Stiller with more questions than answers, as the other staff members seem to have no recollection of Lause's existence.

In a tragic turn of events, one identity unit within the simulation tries to end its own life. Stiller's colleague, Walfang, takes drastic measures by deleting the unit to preserve the stability of their artificial environment.

Determined to understand the identity unit's tragedy, Stiller ventures into the simulated world. He interviews a unique identity unit named Einstein, who possesses an unsettling awareness of their simulated reality.

In a daring act to transcend his virtual existence, Einstein swaps his consciousness into Walfang's body while Stiller is occupied. This audacious move highlights the gravity of the situation as Einstein tries to experience genuine life.

As the truth about the nature of their reality becomes evident, Stiller begins to spiral into madness. Facing disbelief and hostility from others, he struggles to convey his revelations about the simulation and higher reality.

Stiller finally manages to convince psychologist Hahn of his theories regarding the simulation. However, tragedy strikes when Hahn dies in an accident shortly thereafter, leaving Stiller as the primary suspect in both his and Vollmer’s deaths.

In a desperate attempt to escape the chaos around him, Stiller decides to find a crucial contact that could connect the virtual reality with the real world. His search draws him into a web of danger, leading to multiple assassination attempts.

Stiller discovers Eva, projected into the simulation after Vollmer's death, believed to be his fictitious daughter. He feels a deep longing for connection, convinced they once shared a romantic past.

Eva reveals the shocking truth that Stiller is modeled after the real Fred Stiller, who ultimately succumbed to madness due to his control over the simulation. This revelation shocks Stiller to his core and challenges his understanding of his own existence.

As Stiller learns of his impending demise in a planned attack, he realizes the urgency of escaping his predetermined fate. Eva takes a bold step to save him by cleverly swapping their minds, allowing the simulated Stiller to enter the true world.