In a not-so-distant future, humanity has perfected genetic engineering, and people are classified from birth according to their genetic traits. Vincent Freeman, an "unwanted" or "natural," dreams of traveling to space, but he faces a world where only the genetically superior have access to that dream. Despite the societal expectations that relegate him to a limited fate, Vincent refuses to give up.
To achieve his goals, he decides to assume the identity of Jerome Eugene Morrow, a "wanted" person who became disabled in an accident. With the help of his perfect genetics and cunning, Vincent infiltrates the Gattaca space agency, where he works hard to pass himself off as Jerome and prove that his ambition and talent can overcome any biological limitation.
As he progresses in his career, he faces a series of challenges, including the system's surveillance, which is always on the lookout for any signs of deceit. Additionally, the romance between Vincent and a coworker, Irene, further complicates his secret life. As the tension mounts and the evidence of his true identity draws closer, Vincent must fight not only for his dream of being an astronaut but also for his right to be judged by his abilities and dreams, rather than his DNA.