Set in a dystopian future, the film portrays a society divided into two classes: a wealthy elite who live in luxurious skyscrapers and a working class who toil away in the underground factories that power the city. The story follows the son of the city's ruler, who falls in love with a working-class activist and eventually discovers the dark secrets that underlie the city's order. The film is notable for its stunning visual effects, innovative use of camera angles and lighting, and its iconic portrayal of the robot Maria. Metropolis has been widely influential in science fiction and has become a classic of world cinema, recognized for its commentary on social and political issues that remain relevant to this day.