Inspired by the work of Czech science fiction pioneer Karel Čapek, Newts! chronicles an alternate history of the 20th Century in which the western world discovers, exploits, educates, arms, and is ultimately overthrown by a species of highly intelligent amphibians. This globe-spanning tale of cause and effect is recounted in a mash-up of scenes, songs, film reels, and news clippings, all shared by a narrator trying to pinpoint the exact moment humanity's fate was sealed.