As the celestial ballet unfolds across the vastness of space, a dazzling blue orb races towards Earth, colliding with a satellite before dramatically entering the life of young Josh Morrison, played by Austyn Lind Myers. Nestled in his New York City apartment, Josh's excitement burgeons as he peers through his telescope, fixated on this mysterious object plummeting toward him. Unbeknownst to his mother, Gina Morrison, who remains oblivious to the impending adventure and distracted by worries about a baseball game that threatens to spoil the day, Josh's fascination deepens as the orb crashes into his room and lodges itself in his fishbowl.
Months later, the universe announces its arrival once again with a blazing fireball streaking through the sky, landing with a thunderous thud on Liberty Island. As the dust clears, it becomes evident that this is no ordinary meteor; it is a spaceship, humanoid in shape, carrying a hundred small extraterrestrial beings. Captain Dave, the charming leader, guides his crew, including the loyal Number 2 (Ed Helms) and Number 3 (Gabrielle Union), as they attempt to decipher human behaviors, bewildered by their new surroundings.
On the lively streets of New York, a skeptical cop named Dooley (Scott Caan) finds himself on the trail of an intergalactic mystery, convinced there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Meanwhile, the aliens confront an urgent crisis from their home planet, Nil, plagued by an energy shortage that urgently requires salt to resolve. Their radical solution: to drain Earth's oceans using the same metallic orb that captivated Josh months prior.
As Captain Dave delves deeper into human interactions, he forms a notable bond with the Morrison family, particularly with Gina, whose warmth masks her vulnerabilities. In a moment of poignant discovery, Dave understands the importance of the metal orb, and alongside Josh, he sets off to reclaim it from a cruel bully. They are unaware that their actions set off a chain reaction, significantly impacting their lives and the fate of Nil.
Through heartfelt exchanges with Josh and Gina, Captain Dave gradually realizes that human complexity is far deeper than he initially perceived. This revelation is highlighted by a series of touching moments, such as Gina's vibrant strokes of paint, illustrating her passion, and a compassionate homeless man sharing his meager possessions with Dave, grounding him in a doorway. This awakening prompts Captain Dave to reconsider the plan to drain Earth's oceans, fully aware of the catastrophic consequences it could inflict on the planet. Simultaneously, the authorities begin to close in on him, tracing evidence left behind at the crash site that leads to his eventual capture.
As the crew becomes more entrenched in human culture, they start to display unexpected changes—transitioning into a carefree lifestyle and developing unfamiliar emotions. However, Number 2 grows increasingly wary of Dave's transformation, interpreting it as a distraction from their mission. Seizing control of the spaceship, Number 2 imprisons Captain Dave, determined to uphold their initial goals.
In a twist of fate, Dave manages to escape his confinement, orchestrating a daring bid for freedom. Meanwhile, Number 3 grapples with her allegiance to Number 2 and her increasing affection for Captain Dave. Torn between loyalty and love, she ultimately sides with Dave's more compassionate view of humanity. Their rebellion is short-lived, leading to their capture by Number 2, who banishes them from the ship.
When tensions flare, a young alien named Number 17 (Kevin Hart), ignited by the crew’s revelry, makes a raucous exit from the vessel. Back on Earth, the Captain offers a heartfelt apology to Number 3 for neglecting her feelings, laying bare his affection for her. Simultaneously, officer Dooley uncovers the inebriated Number 17, concealed within his morning coffee, igniting curiosity about Dave's mysterious disappearance as the web of intrigue begins to unfold.
As they approach the harbor, Number 2 attempts to toss the metallic orb into the ocean, only to be thwarted by the astute Captain and Number 3, who have stealthily returned to the ship. Captain Dave detains Number 2 in the ship's confines while grappling with the orb's fate. Ultimately, he must choose between reclaiming it or returning home; he chooses to protect Earth and its life forms. The orb, however, slips away, sending Dave into a dormant state.
With the authorities closing in, Josh courageously intervenes, seizing Dooley's taser to awaken the Captain. Together, they reveal themselves to the law enforcement officers, who reluctantly lower their weapons. As a bittersweet goodbye ensues, Captain Dave expresses profound revelations about love and connection before reuniting with Number 17.
Just as Dave prepares for lift-off, FBI agents swarm, ensnaring him in a net. In the ensuing chaos, his crew makes a daring escape to a lifeboat compartment, activating it and departing for Nil, leaving chaos—and a thwarted Number 2—behind. Amidst the unfolding scenes, Captain Dave proposes to Number 3, and they embrace their newfound love with a tender kiss, sealing their bond as they prepare for an uncertain but hopeful future.
