Plot

An ex-special forces operative takes a job to provide security for a journalist as she interviews a dictator, but when a military coup breaks out in the middle of the interview, they are forced to escape into the jungle.

Ex-special forces operative Mason Pettits (John Cena) is stuck in a dead-end desk job when he reluctantly takes on a freelance gig to provide private security for washed-up journalist Claire Wellington (Alison Brie) as she interviews the ruthless - but impeccably dressed - dictator, Juan Venegas (Juan Pablo Raba). When a military coup breaks out just as she's about to get the scoop of a lifetime, the unlikely trio must figure out how to survive the jungle AND each other in order to make it out alive. From Pierre Morel, the dynamic director of TAKEN and PEPPERMINT, FREELANCE is written by Jacob Lentz and is a Relativity Media Production.

Mason Pettits, once a U.S. Army Special Forces operator, was injured and medically discharged after a botched mission to assassinate Juan Venegas, the dictator of the South American nation of Paldonia. Years later, Mason is stuck in a dead-end job at a law firm when an old teammate, Sebastian Earle, offers him a lucrative private security job. His task is to protect disgraced journalist Claire Wellington as she travels to Paldonia at Venegas's invitation, midst an uprising against his regime. This mission worries Mason's wife, Jenny, who fears their daughter Casey might grow up without a father if something goes wrong.

Upon arriving in Paldonia, Mason, Claire, and Venegas are ambushed by anti-Venegas militants, destroying their vehicles. Mason fends off the attackers, and they escape into the jungle. Venegas realizes the assailants were his own soldiers, part of a coup led by his nephew Jorge and military advisor Colonel Jan Koehorst. Mason tries to abandon Venegas, but mercenaries ambush him and Claire. With Venegas's help, Mason fights them off, and they find refuge in a village where Venegas is revered.

Claire records her interview with Venegas, and Mason grows closer to her, though he resists her advances, recalling his family. Venegas hints at a hidden agenda, and Mason learns from Sebastian that his real mission is to assassinate Venegas. Jan's forces attack the village, capturing Claire, but Mason and Venegas escape.

As they head to the capital, Venegas reveals he didn't kill Mason's friends. They stage a trade for Claire, unveiling that the so-called revolution was a sham and Venegas is beloved by his people. During the trade, Venegas distracts Jan with fake protesters, and they flee to the presidential palace. Venegas persuades Jorge to aid in leading the country better, but General Martínez, another conspirator, kills Jorge.

Jan's forces storm the palace, resulting in a shootout. Mason faces Jan alone, who admits to killing Mason's team. Claire films the battle, helping Mason defeat Jan. Sebastian's team arrives, neutralizing Jan's militants.

In the aftermath, Claire revitalizes her career with the footage from Paldonia. Venegas steps down, paving the way for democratic elections. Mason returns to his family and receives $5 million from Venegas, allowing him to leave his detested job.