In 2009, a select group has discovered a means to elude death by employing "bonejackers"—expert mercenaries with cutting-edge time travel technology. These mercenaries intercept individuals teetering on the edge of death in the past, allowing the affluent to utilize these "harvested" bodies as substitutes, thus maintaining their youthful facade. Unfortunately, those who manage to survive this grotesque practice are deemed "freejacks," a term that marks them as subhuman by law. The result is a dystopian reality where rampant substance abuse and environmental decay have left the populace in dire physical condition, rendering them less desirable for replacement.
The narrative follows Alex Furlong, portrayed by Anthony Hopkins, a celebrated Formula One driver who is yanked from his life during a catastrophic accident in 1991. Transported to 21st century New York City—a grim urban jungle teeming with predators and desperate souls—Alex finds himself grappling for survival. Amidst this chaos, he has to outsmart Victor Vacendak, a tenacious mercenary played by Mick Jagger, who has been contracted by the formidable McCandless Corporation to capture Alex for their insidious ends.
As Alex adapts to this perilous new environment, he also confronts the emotional turmoil of reconnecting with Julie Redlund, a character brought to life by Rene Russo. Now a formidable executive at McCandless, Julie is enmeshed in negotiations for critical mineral deals that could shape the corporate landscape. Meanwhile, Alex’s life takes a darker turn when he discovers that his former fiancée is entangled in a conspiracy orchestrated by Ian McCandless, who is conspiring to transfer his consciousness into Alex's body—a nightmarish twist that complicates their already fraught history.
To navigate this minefield, Alex must be ever-vigilant, dodging not only the mercenary prowess of Victor but also the relentless security forces commanded by Julie's employer, as well as the cunning private guards of Mark Michelette, a power player determined to manipulate the unfolding events to his advantage. With friends from his past now transformed into opportunists more focused on exploiting his plight than providing genuine support, Alex feels increasingly isolated.
Amidst the chaos, a climactic moment occurs when Julie steps in to rescue Alex from Victor's tight grip, whisking him away in a stolen vehicle. Feeling cornered and desperate to escape the clutches of violence, Alex adopts a clever ruse, pretending to be a captive while discreetly negotiating with Michelette through a series of coded messages. Yet, Michelette's understanding of Julie’s heartbreak over Alex’s tragic past becomes a weapon, emphasizing their complicated relationship.
Just when it seems they may attain their freedom, a barrage of gunfire erupts in the lobby, pitting McCandless's security forces against Victor's ruthless platoon. Crafting a daring escape plan involving an "exit module" on the skyscraper's hundredth floor, Julie’s intentions are waylaid as they find themselves transported to an enigmatic "Spiritual Switchboard." Here, the consciousness of McCandless lingers in a virtual limbo, revealing his chilling objectives: to assume control of Alex's body to satisfy his obsessive love for Julie.
In a tense standoff, McCandless offers Alex a shocking proposal—surrender and allow Alex to take the reins of his corporation while masquerading as McCandless. Just as they deliberate the unsettling proposition, chaos reigns as Victor bursts onto the scene. The fray intensifies when Alex discovers that the transfer process may not be as straightforward as presumed, leaving both him and the audience questioning who indeed occupies his body.
In a chaotic climax, Alex musters his resolve to confront the ongoing conflict, delivering a decisive blow that alters the trajectory of events. As the dust settles from the coup's aftermath, Alex finds solace in a new physical form. He turns to Julie, expressing a desire to embark on his own journey, literally and metaphorically. Later that evening, as they slip into one of McCandless's prized vehicles, Alex confidently declares he will take control of the wheel. Yet, an unexpected confrontation with Vacendak reveals that the transfer process still harbors its mysteries, leading to a tense final remark from the mercenary: "You'll need to coach him better than that," just as Alex and Julie race away, leaving Victor contemplating the outcomes of his calculated strategy.
