Like The Raid redefined modern martial arts movie, Hardcore seeks to redefine what a POV action movie can be. Russian director Ilya Naishuller, who earned internet stardom for his band’s, Biting Elbow, music video “Bad Motherfucker” (which attracted almost 30 million Youtube views), sought out to make a full-length feature in the same style and with the help of a successful Indiegogo campaign has just unleashed Hardcore unto (mostly) cheering TIFF audiences.
Filmed with GoPros and a homemade face-mounted rig, Hardcore has been hailed as an early TIFF standout and for all intents and purposes looks like a quintessential anti-festival picture. Those looking to get their ultraviolence should expect to be treated to a groundbreaking feast of non-stop action, which the trailer promises will “Never, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever, Ever Stop”
Check out the ridiculously fun Hardcore trailer below.
Hardcore tells the story of Henry, a newly resurrected cyborg who must save his wife/creator from the clutches of a psychotic tyrant with telekinetic powers, AKAN, and his army of mercenaries. Fighting alongside Henry is Jimmy, who is Henry’s only hope to make it through the day. Hardcore takes place over the course of one day, in Moscow, Russia.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller and starring Sharlto Copley and Haley Bennett, Hardcore does not yet have an official release but due to its overwhelming positive buzz at TIFF, will likely see one soon.
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By: Matt Oakes
Started blogging about film in college when the university paper wouldn’t have him. Dislikes your consensus film Twitter favorites. Devotee of horror movies that make him die a little inside. Catches films at festivals when he can. Proud SFCS and OFCS member and Tomatometer-approved critic. Editor-in-chief of Silver Screen Riot.
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