The film's narrative is set in the 16th century, during the height of the Maya civilization. Jaguar Paw, played by Jeremy Renner, is a skilled hunter and warrior who lives in a small village on the outskirts of a powerful Maya city. When his village is raided by a group of ruthless warriors, Jaguar Paw's family is taken captive and he is forced to navigate the treacherous world of human sacrifice.