Live Free or Die

A sudden and mysterious blackout occurs at the FBI Cyber Division headquarters, leading to a significant crisis within national security. Deputy Director Miguel Bowman takes swift action to mobilize local law enforcement across the country in an effort to catch the skilled hackers responsible for the chaos.

NYPD Detective John McClane is summoned to retrieve Matthew Farrell in New Jersey. Upon his arrival, McClane and Farrell are quickly ambushed by assassins under the command of the notorious cyberterrorist Thomas Gabriel, highlighting the immediate danger they face.

Despite being heavily outnumbered, McClane and Farrell manage a narrow escape from their attackers. This harrowing introduction to the intensity of the situation solidifies their need to work together to tackle the larger threat ahead.

As they make their way to Washington D.C., Farrell reveals he has been developing an algorithm intended to enhance security systems. However, he describes this cyber assault as a 'fire sale,' a strategic takeover aiming to cripple the country's infrastructure at all levels.

On their route to the Department of Homeland Security, McClane and Farrell encounter Mai Linh, who disguises herself as a dispatcher to lure them into a deadly helicopter ambush. With bravery and skill, McClane manages to bring the helicopter down in flames, showcasing his resilience in dire circumstances.

McClane and Farrell target a utility superstation in West Virginia only to discover it is under Linh's control. In a dramatic showdown, McClane takes vengeance by sending Linh's vehicle plummeting from an elevator shaft, resulting in a massive explosion.

As Farrell works to mitigate damage from the cyberattack, he manages to trace Gabriel's digital footprint and sends his image to Bowman. This revelation uncovers a past connection between Bowman and Gabriel, adding complexity to the motivations driving the attack.

In a shocking twist, Gabriel abducts McClane's estranged daughter, Lucy, while amassing sensitive financial data from the NSA hub in Woodlawn, Maryland. This personal attack escalates the stakes for McClane, leading him to confront Gabriel directly.

Determined to find a solution, McClane and Farrell travel to Baltimore to seek help from famed hacker Frederick 'Warlock' Kaludis. Warlock analyzes Farrell's code, uncovering a corrupted key that leads them closer to Gabriel's hiding place.

McClane and Farrell execute a daring plan to infiltrate the Woodlawn facility, aiming to thwart Gabriel's malicious intent. Just as they break through to the main server's defenses, they stumble into a trap set by Gabriel, leading to a perilous situation.

As the chase intensifies, McClane commandeers a mobile command center to access military communications. Gabriel retaliates by ordering an aerial assault on McClane's vehicle, but luck intervenes when debris from a crashing jet takes down the attacker.

Ultimately tracking Gabriel to a hangar, McClane engages in a tense confrontation where Gabriel threatens Farrell's life unless he complies with demands to decrypt financial data. However, McClane's arrival changes the dynamic, leading to a fierce battle.

In the final confrontation, after a dramatic rescue where McClane takes down several henchmen, Gabriel is shot during a chaotic moment meant for McClane. This unexpected twist results in Gabriel's downfall as the FBI moves in to restore order.

In the aftermath of the chaos, McClane expresses deep gratitude to Farrell for saving Lucy, hinting at potential romantic feelings between them. The experience strengthens their bond and leaves McClane hopeful for the future after surviving such a perilous ordeal.