Before debuts as part of the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness programming tonight, the first trailer has arrived forHardcore, courtesy ofBiting Elbows, the band that director Ilya Naishuller belongs to.Hardcoremarks Ilya Naishuller’s featuredirectorial debut, but he previously directed a first-person music video for the band, which is the same style he brings toHardcore. The film is described as, “the world’s first action film to be shot 100% from the hero’s perspective,” as you can see in the trailer. Even the film’s synopsis, which you can check out below, is crafted in a similar fashion.
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 Kozlovskiy), 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. Oh, did I tell you that your battery is quickly running out?Timur Bekmambetovpresents and produces this innovative new film, with a supporting cast that includes Cyrus Arnold, Will Stewart and Darya Charusha, with director Ilya Naishuller stepping in front of the camera as well.
Thisaction thrillerdoesn’t have a distributor lined up yet, but that could all change after itsworld premierelater tonight in Toronto. You may recall that another innovative action-packed thriller debuted in Toronto almost exactly four years ago,Gareth Evans’The Raid: Redemption, which went on to gain worldwide acclaim and spawn the sequelThe Raid 2, as well as the upcoming follow-upThe Raid 3. CanHardcorebecome the next big international action hit to come out of TIFF? We’ll find out in a few short hours.
While we wait to see what distributor picks upHardcore, check out the first trailer below. Do you thinkHardcorecould be abox officehit likeThe Raidbefore it? Or is this first-person concept just too crazy for movie audiences to handle? Let us know what you think after checking out this one-of-a-kind trailer below.
