The movie takes place in Hong Kong, where Will Sawyer (Dwayne Johnson) is hired as the security expert for the tallest building in the world, the Pearl. The building is owned by Sawyer's former client, billionaire Zhao Ke (James Badge Dale). However, things take a turn when a terrorist group, led by the cunning and ruthless Mariina (Helena Bonham Carter), takes over the building and holds the occupants hostage.