The film is set in the near future, where the majority of the population uses surrogate robots to interact with the world. These surrogates are highly advanced androids that resemble their human operators and can perform various tasks and experiences while the operator remains safely at home, controlling them through a neural interface.
The story follows FBI agent Tom Greer (played by Bruce Willis), who investigates a series of mysterious deaths involving surrogates. The victims are operators who die in the real world when their surrogates are destroyed. The investigation leads Tom to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to undermine the entire surrogate system.
As Tom delves deeper into the case, he encounters resistance from various quarters, including the powerful corporation that manufactures the surrogates and a group of humans who reject the use of surrogates altogether, known as Dreads. Along the way, Tom’s own beliefs about the surrogate system are challenged as he begins to question the nature of identity, reality, and human connection.
Tom’s investigation leads him to discover that the mastermind behind the conspiracy is Dr. Lionel Canter (played by James Cromwell), the creator of the surrogate technology. Dr. Canter, who has become disillusioned with the direction the surrogate system has taken, plans to deactivate all surrogates, believing that it will force humanity to reconnect with each other in the real world.
In the climax of the film, Tom confronts Dr. Canter and his daughter, Maggie (played by Rosamund Pike), who has been working with her father to carry out his plan. Despite their efforts to stop him, Dr. Canter activates a device that disables all surrogates worldwide, causing chaos and panic as people are forced to confront their real selves.
In the aftermath of the event, society begins to adapt to life without surrogates, with some embracing the change as an opportunity for genuine human connection, while others struggle to adjust to the loss of their artificial identities. Tom reconciles with his wife, who had become addicted to her surrogate, and they begin to rebuild their relationship in the real world.
“Surrogates” is a thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that explores themes of technology, identity, and human connection. Through its engaging story and stunning visuals, the film raises questions about the impact of technology on society and the importance of genuine human interaction in an increasingly virtual world.