Thomas Jerome Newton (David Bowie) is an alien who has come to Earth in search of water to save his home planet. Aided by lawyer Oliver Farnsworth (Buck Henry), Thomas uses his knowledge of advanced technology to create profitable inventions. While developing a method to transport water, Thomas meets Mary-Lou (Candy Clark), a quiet hotel clerk, and begins to fall in love with her. Just as he is ready to leave Earth, Thomas is intercepted by the US government, and his entire plan is threatened. Based on the novel of the same name by Walter Tevis, rock legend David Bowie made his acting debut in this trippy and highly provocative exploration of the outsider's experience in modern Western culture.