The Old New World traces the course of our planet's history in a single film, answering the questions of human origins and human purpose in accordance with a Marxist view of history. Successive forms of civilization are presented one after another, with socialism as the final development of human society. At the same time, the film warns against militarization, which for the first time has reached the point at which human beings are capable of destroying the planet and themselves.

In keeping with director Andrew Thorndike's characteristic style, the documentation weaves together historical footage, archival images, and animated segments to drive home the film's message.