The protagonist is contacted by a mysterious entity or organization. They are given a task they must complete, or face dire consequences (death, ruin, exposure). They are physically free to move, but their choices are psychologically or situationally "forced."
In practical filmmaking, is a cornerstone technique. forced cinama
There is a specific, visceral tension that comes from watching a character who has run out of options. In film theory and fan communities, this is often referred to as The protagonist is contacted by a mysterious entity