I think we can all agree the best part of Doom‘s 2005 film adaptation was the short first-person scene towards the end. Don’t believe me? By all means, watch it again.
This sequence lasts just a few minutes, but could a feature-length film be shot entirely in a first-person perspective? First-time director Ilya Naishuller accepted that challenge in 2014, ultimately raising over $250,000 as part of a successful Indiegogo campaign, and premiering his completed film to rapturous applause at last year’s Toronoto International Film Festvial. Over the weekend, distributor STX Entertainment unveiled a new theatrical trailer and announced that Hardcore Henry will open in theaters on April 8.
Following in the proud tradition of Link, Samus Aran, and Doomguy, the Hardcore Henry of the title is completely mute. Thankfully, his mysterious sidekick, Jimmy (played by Sharlto Copley), is always quick with a quip. And it just gets crazier from there:
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. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, 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 a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. You’re also in the unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead. Everyone except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley). He may be on your side, but you aren’t sure. If you can survive the insanity, and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity. Good luck, Henry. You’re likely going to need it…
A robotic resurrection… a hero with amnesia… a kidnapped wife… … Hardcore Henry hits all the familiar story beats from some of your favorite games. It also looks ridiculously entertaining. We’ll find out for sure when it opens on April 8.
