You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife. 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, 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. He might be on your side. Good luck Henry. You’re very much likely to need it.
I’ve been curious about Hardcore ever since it was announced, following the online success of the first-person music video Bad Motherfucker by Biting Elbows. I say curious because I honestly don’t think this will work as a full movie. The first-person POV gimmick can be lots of fun in short bursts, like the aforementioned music video and the POV sequence in the Doom movie, but it wears out its welcome pretty quickly. I mean, why would I want to watch something like this when I can just play a video game and actually control the character? Time will tell if Hardcore actually pulls it off, and maybe this film is destined to be a hit on the Oculus Rift, but I was already getting a bit tired of it by the end of the preview. Also, way to bury the lead on Sharlto Copley, guys. He’s mentioned in the plot description like his character is a big deal, but then you just shoot him in the head in the trailer.
Hardcore doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s playing at TIFF in September 2015.