In an abandoned mental institution, doctors carry out secret experiments on unsuspecting patients. The experiments, codenamed Limes, are designed to cure violent episodes within the inmates through new methods of brainwashing and mind manipulation. It is soon discovered by the families of the patients that this is no ordinary hospital.

Rubie is a classic grade school bully. She is challenged by Santa; she must get a present from a real friend by Christmas, or he’ll make her as ugly on the outside as she is on the inside. Rubie learns it's the inside that's most important in a person.