In 2042, Shanghai becomes the last hope to defend humanity against the attack of an alien force that is besieging many cities around the world, to harvest hidden energy, found on earth.

Young student Jiang Yang falls in love with Lin Lan, whom he follows to the fortress of Shanghai.

From a young schoolboy in love and innocent, he will have to go through these dark and merciless hours to become, whatever the cost, the hero that humanity needs.

"[10][11] Director Teng Huatao apologized on his social media on Sina Weibo for letting viewers down.

Screenwriter and original novel writer Jiang Nan also apologized online, particularly to the fans of his book who were disappointed after waiting so many years for the film.