The film opens with Jane Bodine (Sandra Bullock) undergoing an interview where she is introduced as the infamous Calamity Jane, known for her willingness to support any campaign, provided the financial compensation meets her standards. Following her retirement due to a scandal involving election laws, Jane recounts the events that transpired post-resignation.
Meanwhile, Ben (Anthony Mackie) and Nell (Ann Down) navigate the snowy mountains, discussing their strategy to persuade Jane to take on the campaign for Pedro Castillo, a Bolivian Senator trailing significantly in the polls. Upon arriving at Jane's home, she reveals her new lifestyle focused on pottery, with her living space adorned by various pottery creations, to which Ben shows admiration. However, Nell quickly snatches away a bowl, calling attention to a rival candidate, Rivera, who has enlisted Jane's former adversary, Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thornton).
As the story unfolds, the current polling shows Castillo at a mere 8% compared to Rivera's leading 36%. After accepting the campaign offer, Jane finds herself in La Paz, Bolivia, struggling with the high altitude. This setback exacerbates her already unwell condition, causing her to retreat from initial meetings with the campaign team.
While Castillo's campaign team emphasizes the importance of connecting with ordinary citizens, Jane finds herself continually grappling with her health, only partially present at various commercials and focus groups. At one pivotal moment, she challenges the campaign’s focus on appearances and insists on a more substantive approach to character and narrative, advising Castillo to embrace his true self instead of conforming to public expectations.
As tensions mount, Jane's unconventional strategy gives rise to both chaotic and humorous events, including an unexpected egg-smashing incident aimed at Castillo during a public event. Jane’s insistence on authentic representation gradually garners attention, igniting a media frenzy and controversial ads aimed at Rivera, propelling Castillo's campaign amidst rising stakes and emotional turmoil.
In a tense debate preparation, Jane’s fiery temperament clashes with Castillo's leadership style, showcasing the inherent struggles of their partnership. While they navigate the gravitational pull of the election, her tactics evolve, ultimately leading to a provocative and risky negative campaign against Rivera.
With each revelation and scandal, the dynamics shift dramatically as the election day approaches. Jane’s instincts and burgeoning friendship with a young campaign worker, Eddie, reveal deep-seated fears about both personal and political futures.
As the film concludes, a captivating montage reveals a record voter turnout, culminating in Castillo's narrow victory, albeit with a haunting reminder of the compromises and harsh realities of political life. Jane ultimately makes a poignant choice to step off the carousel of political chaos and pursue a new path, a decision that resonates powerfully amid the growing protests and shifting tides in Bolivia.
