Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
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 Henry takes place over the course of one day, in Moscow, Russia.
Hardcore Henry is a genuinely singular cinematic experiment — a full-length action film shot entirely in first-person POV, essentially a playable video game translated to film. Its cinematography and technical execution are legitimately impressive feats, earning top marks for sheer audacity and craft in a way no other mainstream film has replicated. Novelty is equally high: this is a one-of-a-kind experience with an unmistakable voice. However, the plot is paper-thin even by action-movie standards — a threadbare revenge/rescue framework that exists purely to string together set pieces, earning a below-average score. The ending feels abrupt and unsatisfying, failing to deliver meaningful payoff. Acting is serviceable; Sharlto Copley's multi-role performance as Jimmy adds genuine energy and charm, lifting what could have been a completely hollow exercise.