Barry B. Benson, a bee who has recently graduated from college, is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. When he ventures outside of the hive for the first time, he breaks one of the cardinal rules of the bee world by talking to a human, a New York City florist named Vanessa. Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, and as they become friends, he discovers the joy and flurry of human life. However, Barry's wonder turns to shock as he learns that humans consume honey, and that the bees work tirelessly just for their food to be stolen. This revelation prompts him to take action in a way no bee has dared to before.

Driven by a newfound purpose, Barry decides to investigate further into the human use of honey, embarking on an adventure that takes him through the bustling city of New York. His inquiries lead him to learn more about human-bee interactions, revealing the massive scale at which bees' labor is exploited for honey production. Determined to seek justice for the exploitation of bees, Barry explores the human world, making unexpected alliances and challenging the status quo. His mission not only questions the relationship between humans and bees but also aims to redefine it, setting off a chain of events that could change both their worlds forever.