When a flu epidemic leaves people with proteins that make them as hairy as chimpanzees, an American college student and a Mexican scientist in New York City work to develop a cure for mankind’s newest affliction.

In a future where technology has advanced to the point where humans can undergo "optimization" to rid themselves of emotions and increase their mental functions, one man decides to cling to his humanity in an effort to atone for his sins and appreciate the beauty of being human.