Directed by
Steve De Jarnatt
Made by
20th Century Fox
Discover the intricate plot of Cherry 2000 (1988). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the devastated landscapes of a 2017 United States, a grim aftermath of an economic collapse has led to a world scattered with desolate wastelands intertwined with isolated communities. Amidst this harsh reality, the remnants of once-reliable systems are being scavenged and repurposed, as society adopts an increasingly sanitized and bureaucratic structure. Relationships among people have evolved into a confusing blend of hypersexuality and aversion to intimacy, catalyzing the rise of mechanical replacements for human companionship, exemplified by gynoids crafted to act as surrogate wives.
For the business executive Sam Treadwell (Laurence Fishburne), life takes an unforeseen twist when his beloved Cherry 2000 model wife experiences a malfunction during a passionate moment on a slippery kitchen floor. When the repairman delivers the harsh news that she cannot be repaired, Sam embarks on a quest for a new companion, driven by the need to preserve the valuable memory disk that contains Cherry’s entire personality. However, to his dismay, the gynoid dealer reveals that the rare Cherry 2000 model is no longer being manufactured, and the last remaining units can be located in the perilous Zone 7—setting Sam on a treacherous path.
With the disembodied voice of Cherry echoing from a device tethered to her memory disk, Sam enlists the help of Edith “E” Johnson (Melanie Griffith), a seasoned tracker equipped with a modified 1965 Ford Mustang. Their adventure kicks off into the lawless expanse of Zone 7, where they encounter Lester, a self-proclaimed overlord who rules over his distorted territory with an iron fist.
As they navigate this dangerous terrain, Edith and Sam find temporary refuge in an underground reservoir occupied by Six-Fingered Jake (Harry Carey Jr.), an elderly tracker who served as Edith’s mentor. Their moment of solace, however, is shattered when Lester’s gang launches an attack, knocking Sam unconscious and leaving him vulnerable to capture. Complicating matters is Ginger (previously known as Elaine), a former romantic interest of Sam’s, who reveals her allegiance to Lester.
Although initially drawn into Lester’s crew, Sam quickly grows weary of their savage treatment towards others, culminating in his decision to escape. He finds a way back to Edith and Jake, only to discover that Jake has been safeguarding Cherry’s memory disk all along. He hands it over to Edith and prepares to confront Lester’s gang, diverting their attention to ensure Sam and Edith’s safety.
Sam, proving his resolve as a battle-ready warrior, forges a deeper bond with Edith throughout their tribulations. Yet, their budding emotions are momentarily hindered when a chance audio transmission of Cherry’s voice triggers painful memories for Sam. But undeterred, they continue their quest until they reach a dilapidated brothel/gas station run by Snappy Tom, a confidant of Jake’s. Here, Edith’s ingenuity shines as she begins to fix an old Aeronca Champion light airplane using salvaged parts.
Their mission takes a grim turn when Jake arrives, sharing fond memories with Snappy Tom before the latter’s girlfriend betrays their location to Lester via radio. Tragically, Jake becomes a casualty of a violent gunfight as he is shot in the back, leaving Edith and Sam to make a narrow escape in the plane they had just restored.
Grieving the senseless loss of their friend, both Edith and Sam find renewed determination to fulfill their mission. Driven to ensure that Jake’s sacrifice wasn’t in vain, they forge ahead towards the enigmatic Zone 7. Upon finally landing, they uncover the abandoned ruins of Las Vegas, where its once vibrant casinos now stand lifeless and hollow.
Determined to honor Jake’s legacy, Edith embarks on a mission to locate a fully operational Cherry 2000 model, successfully activating it with the critical memory disk. Yet, Sam soon realizes that this new gynoid, programmed merely for domestic tasks and intimate interactions, is ill-prepared to confront the threats closing in from Lester’s gang.
In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Sam, Edith, and Cherry attempt to escape in the airplane, only to find that the combined weight makes takeoff impossible. Demonstrating sheer bravery, Edith jumps from the plane to allow Sam and Cherry to flee, leading Sam to a poignant realization that this artificial companion cannot replicate the genuine connection he shares with Edith.
In a moment of reflection, Cherry offers to fetch Sam a Pepsi, prompting him to send her on the errand while he commits to standing alongside Edith. Together, they resolutely fight off Lester’s gang and take flight once more. In a comical twist, Lester’s attempt to lasso their airplane backfires, leading to his own fate as he hangs helplessly from a decaying Las Vegas neon sign.
As the dust of their harrowing journey settles, Sam and Edith share a sincere kiss while soaring into the sunset, leaving behind the perils and chaos they faced.
Track the key events of Cherry 2000 (1988) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Economic Collapse
The film begins in the dystopian world of 2017 United States, showcasing the aftermath of a devastating economic collapse. This grim landscape is marked by desolate wastelands and isolated communities struggling to survive.
Sam's Domestic Life
Sam Treadwell, a business executive, lives with his beloved Cherry 2000 model gynoid wife. Their life takes a sudden turn during a passionate moment when Cherry malfunctions, leading to a crisis in Sam's personal life.
The Gynoid's Malfunction
On a slippery kitchen floor, Cherry 2000, Sam's robotic wife, experiences a malfunction. The repairman informs Sam that she cannot be repaired, forcing him to confront the reality of losing his companion.
Quest for a Replacement
Desperate to find a new Cherry 2000 model, Sam learns from the dealer that this gynoid is no longer manufactured. He resolves to venture into the dangerous Zone 7, hoping to recover the last remaining units.
Meeting Edith
Sam seeks help from Edith 'E' Johnson, a skilled tracker with a modified 1965 Ford Mustang. They set off together on a treacherous journey into the lawless expanse of Zone 7, united by a common goal.
Encounter with Lester
While traversing Zone 7, Sam and Edith encounter Lester, a ruthless overlord who exerts his control over the region. His menacing rule poses a significant threat to their mission and safety.
Temporary Refuge
Sam and Edith find refuge in an underground reservoir occupied by Six-Fingered Jake, an elder tracker and Edith's mentor. However, their brief moment of peace is shattered when Lester's gang attacks.
Jake's Sacrifice
After escaping from Lester's gang, Sam discovers that Jake had been keeping Cherry's memory disk safe. Jake prepares to confront the gang, ensuring Sam and Edith's escape before ultimately sacrificing himself.
Renewed Determination
Grieving Jake's death fuels both Sam and Edith with determination to continue their quest. They vow to honor Jake's sacrifice by finding a working Cherry 2000 model despite the overwhelming odds against them.
The Ruins of Las Vegas
Their journey leads them to the abandoned ruins of Las Vegas, where the once-bustling casinos stand hollow and lifeless. It is here that they find a functioning Cherry 2000, igniting hope for Sam.
Flawed Reunion
Sam successfully activates the new Cherry 2000, but quickly realizes she is not equipped to handle the dangers posed by Lester's gang. This moment reveals the limitations of artificial companionship.
Edith's Brave Leap
As they attempt to flee in their airplane, they find their collective weight too much for takeoff. In a brave selfless act, Edith jumps from the plane to allow Sam and Cherry to escape.
Cherry's Offer
As Sam reflects on his feelings, Cherry offers to fetch him a drink, prompting a realization that she cannot fill the genuine connection he is forming with Edith. This marks a turning point in Sam's emotional journey.
Fight Against Lester's Gang
In a fierce confrontation, Sam, Edith, and the new Cherry fight off Lester's gang. Their teamwork showcases the bond formed during their trials, highlighting that genuine connection surpasses artificial companionship.
A New Beginning
As they escape from danger in their restored plane, Sam and Edith share a sincere kiss. This moment signifies their growth and the prioritization of genuine relationships over artificial ones, flying towards a hopeful future.
Meet the characters that bring Cherry 2000 (1988) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Sam Treadwell (Laurence Fishburne)
Sam Treadwell is a business executive whose life takes a drastic turn when his gynoid wife malfunctions. He is portrayed as a determined and adaptable individual, willing to risk everything in pursuit of love and connection. His journey shifts from seeking a replacement to understanding the importance of genuine relationships.
Edith 'E' Johnson (Melanie Griffith)
Edith, a seasoned tracker, embodies strength and ingenuity as she assists Sam on his perilous quest. Her character is marked by emotional depth and bravery, especially when faced with danger. Throughout their journey, she evolves from a helper to a crucial partner, sharing both vulnerability and resilience.
Lester (Unnamed)
Lester is a self-proclaimed overlord who rules over Zone 7 with an iron fist. His character represents the chaos and danger of the lawless environment, showcasing a ruthless demeanor and a volatile personality. He serves as a significant antagonist, challenging Sam and Edith at every turn.
Jake (Harry Carey Jr.)
Six-Fingered Jake is an elderly tracker and mentor to Edith, embodying wisdom and experience. His protective nature and sacrifice highlight the themes of camaraderie and loss within the narrative. Jake's role is pivotal, as he acts as a moral compass for the younger characters during their journey.
Uncover the settings of Cherry 2000 (1988), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
2017
The film is set in the year 2017, amidst a grim future where society has shifted dramatically due to economic collapse. This time period showcases a world struggling with newfound complexities in human relationships, heavily influenced by technological advancements that replace human interaction with mechanical companions.
Location
United States, Zone 7, Las Vegas
The movie takes place in a desolate United States in 2017, characterized by devastated landscapes and economic collapse. Zone 7 is a lawless expanse filled with danger and ruled by the self-proclaimed overlord, Lester. Las Vegas is depicted as an abandoned ruin, with its once-vibrant casinos now lifeless shadows of their former glory.
Explore the core themes of Cherry 2000 (1988). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Artificiality
The movie explores themes of artificiality and human connection through the lens of mechanical companions. With relationships transforming into superficial interactions, Sam's pursuit of Cherry and his bond with Edith highlight the tension between genuine emotion and manufactured intimacy. It raises questions about what it truly means to connect with someone in a world filled with artificial replacements.
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Loss
Loss plays a pivotal role in the storyline as Sam grapples with the malfunction of Cherry and the subsequent sacrifices made by characters like Jake. The emotional weight of their experiences underlines the fragility of life in a dystopian world, where each character's fight for survival intertwines with their personal losses, propelling their motivations and growth.
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Survival
The theme of survival permeates the narrative as Sam and Edith navigate the treacherous Zone 7 in search of companionship and safety. Their journey through danger not only tests their physical limits but also forges a deeper emotional bond, emphasizing resilience amid chaos. As they face numerous perils, the fight for their lives becomes a testament to the strength of their relationship.
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