In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a zombie plague, the undead wander in desolation, among them a young zombie known only as "R." Unlike his fellow corpses, R harbors thoughts and dreams beyond his hunger for human brains. He lumbers through his existence in an airport, the base of operations for his zombie group, feeling the echo of his lost humanity. During a foraging mission, R and his pack encounter a group of young human survivors scavenging for medical supplies. In the ensuing clash, R encounters Julie, a fierce and beautiful human fighter. After killing and consuming the brain of her boyfriend, which allows R to experience the victim's memories and emotions, a protective instinct is awakened in him, and he rescues Julie from the attack.

Hidden within his airplane home, R's interaction with Julie sparks something in him, causing noticeable changes to his nature. The presence of Julie begins to reignite his humanity, a transformation that puzzles him, though he's drawn to her vibrancy and spirit. As Julie tentatively starts to trust R, their bond grows, challenging the harsh reality that separates the living from the undead. However, Julie's father leads the last remnants of the human resistance, making it dangerous for her to have any connection to a zombie, much less one that's showing signs of life. This precarious new relationship has consequences that neither R nor Julie could imagine, altering the dynamics of the survivors and the zombie horde.