New York City in the 1930s, alternate universe. Reporter Polly Perkins (Gwyneth Paltrow) is investigating the disappearance of the world’s top scientists. The latest was Dr. Walter Jennings, who managed to inform Polly that a certain Dr. Totenkopf was behind the abductions. Meanwhile, aviator Joe Sullivan (Jude Law), nicknamed Sky Captain, fends off giant robots that are attacking the planet’s major cities. As Joe and Polly have met in the past, they join forces and go in search of Totenkopf, who is apparently controlling the death machines.