Mankind prepares for a new era as a space shuttle embarks on a landmark mission to colonize Mars. Tragedy strikes shortly after landing when an astronaut dies during childbirth. Sixteen years later, Gardner Elliot (Asa Butterfield), the first human born on the red planet, begins an online friendship with a girl in Colorado. When he finally gets the chance to visit Earth, Gardner experiences the joys and wonders of an alien world, while also trying to learn the mysterious identity of his father.