The film tells the story of Edward, an artificial man created by an inventor (played by Vincent Price), who dies before completing him, leaving Edward with scissors for hands. Edward lives in isolation until he is discovered by Peg Boggs (Dianne Wiest), a kind Avon saleswoman, who takes him to her pastel-colored suburban neighborhood. Despite his initially terrifying appearance, Edward’s gentle nature and talent for creative hedge-trimming and hairstyling make him beloved by the townspeople.

However, as Edward becomes closer to Peg’s daughter Kim (Winona Ryder), jealousy, fear, and misunderstandings lead the town to turn against him. The film follows Edward’s journey from outcast to being misunderstood, exploring themes of alienation, love, and the consequences of being different.