It is 2019 and genetically made beings known as replicants exist as slaves and prostitutes in the off-planet colonies. Despite possessing such human traits as intelligence and virtual emotion, they are limited by a four-year life span which forces them to question their mortality. Four escaped replicants, led by Roy Batty, arrive in Los Angeles to confront their designer, Eldon Tyrell. Hot on their trail is world-weary assassin--or 'blade runner'--Rick Deckard, who has come out of retirement especially for this case. His objective is to hunt down and liquidate the four renegade androids before they have a chance to exact revenge on their cruel human oppressors. In the course of his search, Deckard becomes romantically entangled with Tyrell's lovely assistant Rachael--who may not be all that she seems--and a dramatic face-off with Batty is inevitable.