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Zardoz is a science-fiction film set in a dystopian future where the world is ruled by the "Eternals," an immortal elite who live in luxurious floating cities while the "Brutals," regular humans, live in squalor and poverty on the barren Earth below. The Eternals are served by a group of brutals called "Exterminators," who carry out their will by killing those who dissent or rebel against the Eternals' rule.

The story follows Zed (Sean Connery), a brutal who discovers a way to penetrate the shimmering force field around the Eternal's city, where he is captured by their leader, Consuella (Charlotte Rampling). The Eternals are fascinated by Zed's physicality and primitive nature, and they bring him into their society to study him. He learns that the Eternals have lived for centuries without aging or reproducing, and that their society has become stagnant and purposeless. Zed's arrival and subsequent actions upset the equilibrium of their society, revealing their inherent flaws and weakness.

As Zed explores this new world, he meets a variety of characters, including a librarian named May (Sara Kestelman), who help him understand the nature of the society he has found himself in. Zed ultimately discovers that the all-powerful "god" that the brutals worship, called "Zardoz," is really just a tool of the Eternals, used to manipulate the brutals into submission. He also learns that the Eternals have been artificially extending their lives by harnessing the energy of the brutals through their killing by the Exterminators.

Despite being seduced by the comforts of Eternal life, Zed ultimately decides to rebel against their authority and begins to challenge the foundations of their entire society. The film culminates in a violent confrontation between the brutals and the Eternals, as Zed and May work to overthrow the stale and oppressive status quo.

Throughout the movie, there are themes of mortality, immortality, and the consequences of scientific progress. The film is a departure from traditional sci-fi films of the time, exploring complex ethical and philosophical questions instead of simply showcasing futuristic technology.

Zardoz was a controversial film upon its release due to its violent and sexually explicit content, as well as its challenging themes. Despite mixed reviews, it has become a cult classic over time and has been appreciated for its originality and philosophical insight. The costumes and sets are also noteworthy, featuring eccentric designs and surreal imagery that are distinctly '70s in style. In the end, Zardoz is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that holds up even after over 40 years.

Zardoz is a 1974 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 46.