Freelance

As John Cena's character, Mason Pettits (Mason), recounts his journey from a would-be lawyer to a decorated war veteran, it becomes clear that he has always defied convention. The impulsive decision to drop out of law school and enlist in the U.S. Army was just one manifestation of his desire for adventure and purpose. After completing his training and rising through the ranks of Special Forces, Mason fell deeply in love with Jenny (Alice Eve) and became a devoted father to their daughter, Casey (Molly McCann). However, during a fateful mission in Paldonia, South America, Mason's world was turned upside down when his team was decimated and he himself suffered severe injuries. Forced to confront the harsh realities of war, Mason made the difficult decision to return home and restart his law career.

Years later, Mason and Jenny find themselves trapped in a comfortable but unfulfilling suburban routine. The visit from his former boss, Sebastian Earle (Christian Slater), who now helms the private security firm CDI (Contract Defense Initiatives), serves as a catalyst for Mason's return to his action-packed past. Initially hesitant to accept Sebastian's offer to protect award-winning journalist Claire Wellington (Alison Brie) on her mission to interview Paldonia's reclusive dictator, Juan Venegas (Juan Pablo Raba), Mason is ultimately swayed by the promise of a $20,000 payment.

As Mason delves deeper into Claire's backstory, he uncovers a complex individual whose career has been marred by a fact-checking scandal. Meanwhile, his own domestic life is on the brink of collapse due to his growing sense of disconnection from Jenny and their daughter. The tension culminates in a heated confrontation that leaves Mason no choice but to make a bold decision: he will leave the comfort of his family life behind and embark on a perilous journey with Claire to Paldonia.

Upon arrival, Claire reveals that Venegas has never granted an interview before, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for her to revive her career. As they travel to Venegas' estate, the duo is met with an unsettling air of tension and foreboding. The sudden attack on their caravan by militants, resulting in the slaughter of Venegas' security detail, sets the stage for Mason's decisive intervention. With his military training and quick reflexes, he takes control of the situation, eliminating the attackers and earning Venegas' gratitude.

As they navigate the treacherous landscape of Paldonia, Claire and Mason find themselves at odds over their next move. While Venegas invites them to stay and uncover the truth behind the attempted coup, Mason is adamant that they must leave the country, citing his personal demons and the danger that lurks around every corner. The stage is set for a thrilling adventure as these two unlikely allies confront the darkness head-on, driven by their respective motivations and conflicting values.

As Colonel Jan Koehorst (Martin Csokas) receives the devastating news that all of Mason's comrades have fallen, the veteran operative finds himself at a crossroads. Meanwhile, Mason, Claire, and Venegas navigate the treacherous jungle terrain, their senses on high alert as they make their way towards the rendezvous point for extraction. Mason's decision to leave Claire behind, despite her protests, marks a turning point in their partnership - one that will have far-reaching consequences.

The trio's respite is short-lived, however, as a surprise attack by mercenaries sends them fleeing through the dense underbrush. With his combat skills honed from years of service, Mason takes down most of the assailants, only to be saved from the final attacker by Venegas' timely intervention. This close call serves as a stark reminder of the perils that lie ahead.

As tensions escalate, Koehorst and Jorge Vasquez (Sebastian Eslava) engage in a tense conversation, with the former's clients growing increasingly dissatisfied with Venegas' failure to meet his untimely demise. Meanwhile, Mason confides in Claire about his impending retirement from the game, citing his advancing years and sense of disillusionment with his life as a lawyer.

In a surprising turn of events, Venegas invites Mason and Claire to his childhood village, where they are welcomed by the locals who regard him as a hero. As Claire conducts her interview with Venegas, he reveals that his presidency has been backed by outside forces seeking to exploit Paldonia's natural resources, only to find himself at odds with these same interests due to his newfound commitment to independence and national self-determination.

The revelations spark a romantic moment between Mason and Claire in their shared quarters, but the operative remains resolute in his rejection of her advances. A subsequent conversation with Sebastian reveals that Mason's true mission was to eliminate Venegas, only for Jorge to alter the plans at the last minute. This bombshell is followed by another stunning revelation: South Africans, led by Koehorst, seek to seize control of Paldonia's resources.

The arrival of Koehorst and his men in the village forces Mason, Claire, and Venegas to make a daring escape on horseback. During their high-stakes chase, Mason and Venegas manage to evade capture while Claire falls into enemy hands. As they regroup, Venegas shares a crucial piece of information: he had known about Jorge's plan to eliminate him, as well as Mason's army mission years prior, but the casualties were actually the result of friendly fire from competing contractors.

In a stunning twist, Venegas reveals his connections with the opposition party's leader and his payments to rebel forces as a form of propaganda to boost nationalism. With this newfound understanding, Mason must confront the true nature of his mission and the players involved in the complex web of intrigue that has ensnared them all.

As Sebastian (character) expertly facilitates a high-stakes trade between the Paldonians and South Africans, a volatile crowd of irate locals descends upon Venegas' camp, hell-bent on wreaking havoc on the mercenaries. Amidst the chaos, Venegas, Mason, and Claire devise a daring plan to infiltrate the palace, with Claire live-streaming every explosive moment from her phone. In a poignant reunion, Venegas and Jorge reconcile, only for General Martinez (Mauricio Cujar) to interrupt their tender moment with a bullet-riddled entrance - one that ultimately proves futile against Venegas' unyielding resolve.

As the Paldonian military and South African mercenaries converge on the scene, Venegas delivers an impassioned plea, rallying the troops to join forces with him. The ensuing firefight is a visceral display of bravery, with Mason and Koehorst locked in a brutal battle. The latter's shocking revelation that he was responsible for the slaughter of Mason's men only fuels his determination.

Just as all hope seems lost, Claire intervenes, using her quick reflexes to dispatch Koehorst and save Mason from certain doom. As the dust settles, Sebastian returns with a contingent of reinforcements, driving the South Africans out of Paldonian territory once and for all. The world watches in awe as news outlets globally broadcast the events, capturing Claire's courageous footage.

In the aftermath, Venegas steps down from his presidency, announcing plans for a free election that promises a brighter future for the Paldonian people. With this newfound sense of purpose, Mason returns home to reconnect with Jenny and Casey, only to discover that Venegas has left him an unexpected gift - $5 million. This windfall prompts Mason to reevaluate his priorities, choosing to spend quality time with his family now that he knows his true calling.