Code 46

In a dystopian future, society is starkly divided into two segments: bustling urban environments and the neglected underclass living on the outskirts. This division is controlled by a system of health records referred to as 'papeles,' which acts as a gateway to the desirable cities.

William Geld, an investigator focused on insurance fraud, arrives in Shanghai with a specific mission to interview individuals at the mysterious corporation known as 'The Sphinx.' This organization plays a crucial role in producing the essential papeles that govern society's structure.

During his investigation, William becomes entangled with a young employee named Maria Gonzalez, who is accused of potential fraud. Despite his attempts to maintain professional detachment, he finds himself drawn to her, leading to an illicit affair that complicates his mission and emotions.

While meeting Maria in secret, William discovers a forged document that represents a potential opportunity for exploitation. This discovery significantly alters his investigative path, pushing him into morally ambiguous territory as he contemplates his growing feelings for Maria.

Despite uncovering vital information, William's superiors are not pleased with his methods and criticize him for not identifying the real culprit behind the forgery. Defiantly, he calls for backup, suggesting there may be an accomplice, but his request is ignored, leaving him to resolve the issue on his own.

William's investigation leads him to an empty apartment previously occupied by Maria, where a mysterious medical appointment raises questions. Upon visiting the clinic, he learns that Maria was pregnant but had to terminate her pregnancy due to a serious violation of Code 46.

William uncovers that Maria is scheduled for memory erasure, a procedure designed to wipe her memories of the Code 46 infraction. Leveraging his investigator credentials, he manages to convince the clinic to release her to him, believing that he can protect her as a crucial witness.

As he reveals the truth about Maria's erased memories and his own failings, William struggles with the consequences of their actions. Overwhelmed by her distress, he decides to sedate her to calm her, complicating their already tangled relationship further.

In a shocking twist, while collecting a strand of Maria's hair for DNA analysis, William discovers that she is a genetically engineered clone of his mother. This revelation triggers an existential crisis for William as he grapples with what it means for his own identity.

Faced with the stark reality of his situation, William realizes that obtaining a vital papel from Maria is his only chance to get back home. However, Maria struggles with complications at work that jeopardize their plans, creating tension between them.

As Maria embarks on a train journey to meet William, suppressed memories from her past begin to resurface. These recollections awaken deep emotions, complicating her journey and drawing her closer to the truth about their relationship.

William and Maria's adventure takes them to the ancient streets of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates, where they find temporary reprieve in a basic room. Here, William explains the implications of the memory-erasure procedure and a hidden virus that affects Maria.

As they attempt to escape in a dilapidated vehicle, William and Maria's efforts come to a disastrous halt when they crash. This catastrophic event leaves both of them unconscious, resulting in dire consequences for their fates.

When William finally awakens in a Seattle hospital, he is greeted by his wife and child but is devoid of any recollection of Maria or their shared experiences. This awakening marks a turning point in his life, as he is unable to grasp the events that led him there.

In stark contrast to William's recovery, Maria faces a much graver outcome. Abandoned in the desert, her memories of William twist into an overwhelming obsession, forcing her to endure a painful existence devoid of him while still haunted by their brief but intense connection.