Directed by
George Lucas
Made by
Warner Bros. Pictures
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for THX 1138 (1971). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
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.
Follow the complete movie timeline of THX 1138 (1971) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Strict Society Rules
In the 21st century, society enforces draconian laws where sexual intercourse and reproduction are outlawed. Citizens are mandated to consume mind-altering substances to maintain obedience and control, stripping away emotions and familial connections.
Impersonal Identity
Individuals in this dystopia are stripped of personal names and instead assigned a three-letter designation followed by a four-digit number. This system is indicative of the broader emphasis on enforced equality and dehumanization within society.
Meet SEN 5241 and LUH 3417
SEN 5241 and LUH 3417 work in central video control, overseeing the extensive surveillance of society. Their roles expose them to the oppressive dictates of their environment and hint at the emotional disconnect pervasive in their lives.
THX 1138's Job Struggles
THX 1138, a factory worker producing android police officers, finds himself suffocated by the demands of his job. Following a safety report celebrating their low casualty rates, he ultimately decides to leave his job in search of freedom.
Confession Booth Encounter
On his way home, THX stops at a confession booth where he engages in a ritual of murmuring prayers. The mechanical reassurance from the priest, OMM 0000, reinforces the indoctrination and conformity expected from citizens.
Romantic Connection
Upon returning home, THX becomes under the influence of government-prescribed drugs and uses a self-gratification device. LUH, feeling a growing bond with THX, replaces his medication with her own pills, igniting their first intimate interaction.
New Roommate Complications
THX's life is disrupted when SEN is assigned as his new roommate. The situation escalates when a complaint arises about SEN's illegal housing, contributing to THX's mounting stress and further disconnect from the society's expectations.
Collapse at Work
THX struggles to meet work requirements without his usual drugs, leading to a 'mind lock' that jeopardizes his safety on the job. Despite overcoming this state, the damage is done, resulting in the arrest of both him and LUH.
THX and LUH's Arrest
After a brief reunion, LUH reveals her pregnancy to THX, creating a tender yet perilous moment in their lives. Their subsequent trial results in a prison sentence, sealing their fates under an unforgiving regime.
Escape from Prison
Despite apathy among fellow inmates, THX and SEN devise a plan to escape. They are joined by SRT 5752, a holographic character, as they navigate the complexities of freedom amidst an oppressive society.
Separation from SEN
During their escape, THX, SRT, and SEN become separated. SEN wanders into a child-rearing area, where he unexpectedly encounters the police androids, intensifying the peril of their flight.
Vehicle Crash
In a desperate bid for freedom, THX and SRT steal vehicles, but chaos ensues when SRT crashes into a concrete barrier. This mishap exacerbates their escape efforts as the threat of capture closes in.
Ventilation Shaft Escape
THX manages to evade police androids by fleeing into a ventilation shaft. Central Command, overwhelmed by budget constraints, issues a termination of the pursuit, granting THX a momentary reprieve.
Revelation of the Underground City
As THX navigates through the ventilation system, he discovers that their entire city exists underground. This revelation highlights the manipulative nature of their society and the lack of awareness by its citizens.
Emerging into Freedom
Finally escaping the confines of the underground city, THX emerges to witness the breathtaking sunset above. This moment symbolizes not only his newfound freedom but also the beauty of the world that had been hidden from him.
Explore all characters from THX 1138 (1971). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
THX 1138
THX 1138 is a factory worker trapped in a repressive society that restricts individuality and emotion. He experiences a profound awakening as he navigates love and the consequences of defying societal norms, representing the struggle for personal freedom.
LUH 3417
LUH 3417 serves as a pivotal character who introduces love and change into THX's life. By challenging the societal expectations around emotion and intimacy, she plays a crucial role in THX's awakening and descent into chaos as they attempt to reclaim their humanity.
SEN 5241
SEN 5241 is an integral companion to THX, who faces his own challenges within the oppressive regime. His experiences are marked by confusion and the struggle for survival, making him a representation of the broader battle against conformity and control.
OMM 0000
OMM 0000 serves as a ghostly figure in THX's life, representing the blind adherence to the state’s doctrine. This character embodies the internalized belief system that perpetuates the citizens' subjugation and restriction of self-expression.
SRT 5752
SRT 5752, a holographic character, becomes a part of THX's journey to freedom. Embodying the escapist fantasies promoted by holobroadcasts, SRT's character highlights the allure of rebellion against the oppressive environment.
Learn where and when THX 1138 (1971) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
21st century
Set in the 21st century, the story depicts a dystopian future where humanity has surrendered to a regime that suppresses individuality, emotions, and even procreation. This period is marked by technological control over citizens' lives, reflecting a chilling vision of a society governed by fear and obedience.
Location
Underground City, Surface
The movie takes place in an underground city that enforces strict societal rules, characterized by uniformity and a lack of personal identity. Above this oppressive environment lies the surface, a place of freedom and natural beauty, symbolized by an awe-inspiring sunset that represents hope and liberation.
Discover the main themes in THX 1138 (1971). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Control
The theme of control is pervasive throughout THX 1138, showcasing how an authoritarian regime manipulates and restricts human behavior. The citizens are subjected to surveillance and are stripped of their identities, illustrating the lengths to which a society can go to maintain order and suppress dissent.
❤️
Love
Amidst the oppressive environment, the film explores the themes of love and intimacy. THX and LUH's evolving relationship represents a form of rebellion against societal norms, emphasizing the power of human connection in the face of oppression.
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Escape
The narrative centers on the struggle for escape, both physically and metaphorically. As THX and his companions seek freedom from their underground confines, it highlights the innate human desire to break free from limitations and pursue autonomy.
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