Synopsis

Theyearis2025.AdevoutChristiannamedArthurBennettwinsalotterytoparticipateinarevolutionaryvirtualrealityexperienceatahigh-techcompanycalledElysium.TheprogramutilizesauniqueVRpodtoimmerseusersinaworldbasedonapopularanime.Astheotherparticipants—amixofpersonalitieswithvaryingdegreesofanimeknowledge—preparetoenterthesimulation,Arthurremainstheonlyonewhohasneverindulgedinanime.Uponenteringthisnewworld,hediscoversanunsettlingtruth:painisexcruciatinglyreal,despitethecreators'claimsofadampenedpainresponse.Heeventuallyfindshimselftrappedinprison,unabletologout,anddemandingtobereleasedfromtheprogram.Callsgounanswered,andtheworldofninjasbecomesanightmarewherehunger,thirst,hygiene,andevendeathareallreal.Angeredthathewasdeceived,heabandonsallsenseoflogicandvowstobecomeavillainnoonewouldhaveeveranticipated.