In the year 2113 A.D., a team of scientists is sent to Antarctica to look into unusual seismic activity in the region. Near the activity's epicenter, the expedition uncovers massive land markings reminiscent of the Nazca paleoglyphs found in the Peruvian desert. Even more peculiar is the existence of a huge underground cavern beneath these symbols. At the bottom of the chasm, part of an immense tower protrudes from the ground. Using ultra-digital cameras, the scientific team sends their findings to the Command Center. One explorer traces the image of a star chart engraved on the tower's exterior. The tower then starts emitting a sinister howling, as if possessed by demonic forces. One by one, the expedition members writhe in pain and die. Those watching the scene at the Command Center are helpless. As the high-frequency noise fills their headquarters, they too succumb and die in agony. When the frequency waves are analyzed, they are revealed to be a beacon aimed at the planet Elysium, located beyond Earth's solar system.
Van, the reluctant hero, is an 18-year-old pizza delivery boy in Manhattan. He competes in the most popular sport of the 22nd century—turbo jai alai racing. These races are fast-paced and deadly, integrating virtual reality into the competition. He is deeply in love with Lydia, a talented ballerina. In the chaotic futuristic metropolis, they have only each other and their dreams. Van and Lydia desperately want the chance to escape the polluted cityscape. Despite the dangers, Van enters a turbo jai alai race hoping to win first prize—two tickets to a galactic resort where Lydia can audition for the Jupiter Ballet.
Meanwhile, Earth's deep space observation vessel, the Odyssey, patrols the planet's orbital perimeter. The Odyssey is confronted by an armada of sophisticated alien spacecraft from Elysium. The awed human crew prepares to receive the Elysian ambassador, Yaspe. Without warning, the Odyssey loses control of its weapons, fires on the ambassador's vessel, and destroys it. This tragic misunderstanding leads to brutal retaliation by the Elysian fleet, culminating in the destruction of the Odyssey and a full-scale attack on Earth.
Van's deadly sport of choice turns deadlier when the stadium he is competing in comes under fire from the Elysian barrage. Van struggles through the chaos on his turbo-cycle to rescue Lydia from the collapsing stands. The indiscriminate Elysian onslaught scorches cities worldwide. Van and Lydia flee through the burning streets of Manhattan seeking safety. After a series of harrowing escapes, they find refuge in a claustrophobic fallout shelter.
