"Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth" serves as a recap and prologue to the events of the original "Neon Genesis Evangelion" series and its subsequent film, "The End of Evangelion." The film is divided into two parts: "Death" and "Rebirth."

The "Death" segment is a condensed retelling of the first 24 episodes of the TV series, re-edited with new footage and alternate takes. It revisits the central narrative of Shinji Ikari, a reluctant teenage pilot recruited by his estranged father, Gendo Ikari, to operate a giant biomechanical mecha called an Evangelion (EVA). These EVAs are humanity's last line of defense against mysterious beings known as Angels, which threaten to trigger a catastrophic event called the Third Impact. The recap highlights key moments, including Shinji's struggles with self-worth, his relationships with fellow pilots Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu, and the psychological toll of piloting the EVAs. It also delves into the enigmatic organization NERV, its secretive goals, and the broader mysteries surrounding the Angels, the EVAs, and the Human Instrumentality Project.

The "Rebirth" segment acts as a direct lead-in to "The End of Evangelion," bridging the gap between the TV series' finale and the film. It depicts the final stages of the Angel conflict, focusing on the arrival of the 17th Angel, Kaworu Nagisa, and his complex relationship with Shinji. The segment also sets the stage for the climactic events of "The End of Evangelion," including Asuka's desperate battle against the Mass Production EVAs and the initiation of the Human Instrumentality Project, which aims to merge all human consciousness into a single entity.

The film maintains the series' focus on psychological and philosophical themes, exploring concepts of identity, existentialism, and the nature of human connection. Key characters like Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Gendo are central to the narrative, with their motivations and conflicts driving the story forward. "Death & Rebirth" serves as both a summary for newcomers and a thematic bridge for fans, encapsulating the series' intricate plot and emotional depth while setting the stage for its apocalyptic conclusion.