“You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry and congratulations, you’re now a cyborg. 5 minutes later, your wife has been kidnapped and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky), he’s just a psychotic megalomaniac with telekinetic powers, and a never-ending army of mercenaries. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, Russia and everyone wants you dead. Everyone, except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). He might be on your side. Good luck Henry. You’re very much likely to need it…”
Hardcore is being touted as “the first ever action POV” film. Absolutely everything a growing boy needs. When I saw the initial Indiegogo campaign video several months ago, I can’t deny that I was intrigued. A high octane & rather unique concept, directed by Ilya Naishuller, a man who genuinely seemed to love his project. Even with a successful proof of concept, (his Bad Motherfucker music video), & Sharlto Copley (Open Grave, District 9) on board, I was still left wondering, “How this could be a complete feature film without feeling like a video game cut scene, or a long YouTube parkour clip?”. The release of its official trailer has cracked a window, & haze is clearing out. The cyborg plot is thickening, & moments for breath have appeared. Don’t get me wrong, the brutal is there, but I think its success as a film will hinge on the in-between. While I’m still not entirely sold, this trailer definitely added enough backstory to maintain the heat its teaser sparked.
No word on its release, but audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival seem to have had one hell of a time.
What are your thoughts?
