In the not-too-distant year of 2033, six technology companies operate virtual reality hotels where dying people can "upload" to enjoy the afterlife. Nora, who lives a tight life, lives in Brooklyn, New York, and provides "angel" customer service for the luxurious digital afterlife world "Horizen Lakeview". Nathan, a profligate programmer in Los Angeles, is seriously injured in an autopilot accident and is on the verge of death. His materialistic girlfriend Ingrid convinces him to upload permanently and enter the virtual reality world of Horizen where Nora works.