Based in part on Wim Wenders` 1988 film Wings of Desire, this is the story of Seth (Cage), an angel who wanders the Los Angeles area invisible to humans. As the demise of an individual approaches he spends time near them and becomes visible while acting as their traveling companion during their trip to the great hereafter. His discovery of distraught heart surgeon Maggie (Ryan) inspires him to forego his immortality and exist on earth with her as a feeling and mortal entity.