Hardcore Henry is a 2015 movie filmed entirely in first-person perspective. Written and directed by Ilya Naishuller, this film offers a unique take on the classic action-hero adventure. You truly get to see through the eyes of Henry (played by various stuntmen and cameramen, as well as by Naishuller), a military experiment brought him back from death but damaged, mute and suffering from amnesia.

His savior tells Henry that she’s his wife, Estelle (Haley Bennet), and she replaces his missing arm and leg with cybernetic prostheses. Soon enough, she is kidnapped by mercenaries led by a man named Akan (Danila Kozlovskiy). Henry narrowly escapes, then goes in search of Estelle and answers to his identity and purpose. He is aided only by a mysterious British man named Jimmy (Sharlto Copley) that Henry is unsure if he can fully trust. The film also stars Tim Roth as Henry’s father.

While I may not think Hardcore Henry breaks new ground in terms of storytelling or acting, I believe the unique style of utilizing a first-person perspective for an action film is more than enough to warrant it a watch. In the realm of high-energy gunplay action films it’s hard to stand out, especially since this genre doesn’t always have the most compelling plot or memorable material outside of the action. However, I tend to find myself remembering this movie more than most others due to this choice. 

Hardcore Henry is available on Prime Video and The Roku Channel.