Freelance

In this gripping action-thriller, Freelance brings together the worlds of combat and journalism in a heart-stopping adventure that pits two vastly different professionals against each other and the unforgiving jungle landscape. Chris Johnstone, a seasoned ex-special forces operative with a no-nonsense attitude, has been hired by powerful client (who is anonymous to the viewer as he tries to stay hidden from the law) to provide top-grade security for Sarah Thompson, a fearless and determined journalist. Sarah has landed the scoop of a lifetime: an exclusive interview with ruthless dictator Victor Marquez of the fictional South American nation of Calonia. Victor, notorious for his brutal suppression of dissent and opposition, has been waging a war of intimidation against the international community, and Sarah sees this as her chance to hold him accountable for his atrocities. Chris, meanwhile, sees the job as a way to redeem himself after a troubled past and to keep a low profile. As Sarah and Chris arrive in Calonia, the air is thick with tension. Security is tight, and the CIA is said to be hunting Victor down after he orders a satellite downed with an SA-7 missile targeting that contains key CIA personnel. Victor quickly takes an instant dislike to Chris's rugged demeanor, sensing an air of authority and ruthlessness, but is won over by Sarah's persistence and her straightforward questions. As the interview progresses, Chris keeps a sharp eye on his surroundings, scanning for any signs of trouble and anticipating the worst-case scenario. Outside, whispers of a coup are spreading like wildfire: the army has fallen out with Victor over a string of disastrous policies, including crushing anti-government protests, a pact to heavily arm the Chinese military with deadly missile technology and rigging crucial elections. Yet from his desk, Victor continues to claim he's the rightful ruler of the people. The first tangible sign of the coup erupts in a hail of gunfire and explosions when a military general, backed by sympathizers in the regime, launches a surprise assault on the Presidential compound. Panicked guards storm into the interview room, bullets fly, and chaos erupts. In a blur of courage, Chris grabs Sarah and leaps at her words out the window, landing them on the rooftop where the attack is underway. Managing to push through the melee and gain the helicopter pad on the roof, they escape via a nearby helipad, narrowly dodging more fires hot bullets and rocket propelled grenade attacks. The military assault spreads outside, and escape from the rooftop results in injuries for both as they move through a perimeter formed of burning tanks towards a very secretive place located underground. Completely overhauled they head into the jungle, reliant on only the basic tools at hand. But away from the periphery of humanity that was just at their fingertips, they are pitted against the harsh unforgiving jungle - whose weather so unpredictable, dense foliage, the swampy soil, and life-threatening predators. But on the far fringes of this jungle their long arduous journey is made much much more sinister. Without a support network, communication outlets shut down or military taking them under fire in desperate pleas from far off Calonia, the ex-operative and the journalist must survive off their wits and skills using their only advantage - their 'gadget' to guide them through the uninhabitable landscape. All they've got is basic guns, water purification tablets they find in the various equipment at their disposal. A dire quest begins, from their constant weariness: each new step brings new danger, threatening annihilation with every twisted tree and ravine ahead. For Sarah the personal cost of living off basic 'vulnerability' now begins to pile up: hunger, thirst and her survival instincts perpetually clash with her investigative spirit that craves an undeniable piece of breaking news. As they edge onwards through an unrelenting heart of darkness, the limits of their resolve will be forced to bend. Can these experienced operatives help each other break beyond a relentless tide of frustration and disaster - only by walking hand in hand?