In a world where emotion is suppressed and individuality is forbidden, Elion Strider lives a life of conformity, bound by the steadfast rules of the Regime. When his friend Kira is punished for a subtle display of emotion, Elion's dissatisfaction with his controlled existence grows. Feeling the weight of his family's oppressive ideals, he begins to question everything-especially the mysterious Artisans, a group of rebels who dare to defy the Regime by creating forbidden art, music, and films.
Driven by the desire for something real and meaningful, Elion sets out on a journey to find the Artisans. Along the way, he stumbles upon the vibrant expressions of human creativity that have been hidden for years-art, music, and movies that stir his soul and awaken his true self. With the help of his friends, including the enigmatic Kira, Elion risks everything to create these forbidden forms of expression, even if it means losing everything he knows.