Seconds

Arthur Hamilton is introduced as a middle-aged banker feeling lost and unfulfilled in his life. His estrangement from his wife and dissatisfaction with his job paint a bleak picture of his current state of existence.

Arthur receives an unexpected communication from the mysterious 'Company' through a friend thought to be dead. This correspondence presents him with an unprecedented opportunity to escape his mundane life.

Meeting Mr. Ruby, Arthur is shown a disturbing film that reveals his past indiscretions. Under the threat of blackmail, Arthur feels coerced into complying with the Company's demands, setting him on a dangerous path.

The Company orchestrates Arthur's staged death, fabricating a hotel fire to cover up his disappearance. In a daring move, they use a dummy to present to the authorities, allowing him to escape his prior life.

Following extensive plastic surgery and psychological reprogramming, Arthur emerges as Tony Wilson. This new identity comes with a luxurious home in Malibu, sparking a dramatic change from his earlier life.

As Tony Wilson, he navigates his new reality and starts a romantic relationship with Nora Marcus. For a short time, he revels in the thrill of his new life, although remnants of his past continue to lurk unresolved.

During a lavish dinner party, Tony becomes intoxicated and unintentionally exposes fragments of his history as Arthur Hamilton. The gathering reveals itself as a façade, with the guests being fellow ‘reborns’ who monitor his adjustment.

Defying Company directives, Tony visits his ex-wife in a heartfelt encounter. He comes to terms with the reality that his former marriage suffered due to his misplaced priorities, leading to significant personal reflection.

Determined to begin anew, Tony expresses a desire for a completely different identity. The Company agrees but demands names of others wanting to be reborn, which raises suspicions about their true intentions.

Tony unexpectedly reunites with Charlie Evans, the friend who initially drew him into the Company's web. Together, they share their experiences of disillusionment and the daunting realization of lost control over their lives.

Before reaching a resolution, Tony finds himself on a gurney as last rites are recited. He is plunged into horror when he understands that those who fail at their new identities are used to facilitate the next person’s fabricated death.