It’s as if it simply doesn't exist; no one acknowledges it or brings attention to it. Hardcore is the work of Paul Schrader, who wrote and directed, and features George C. Scott, Peter Boyle, Season Hubley, Dick Sargent, and Leonard Gaines in the cast. The score comes from Jack Nitzsche, and Michael Chapman handled the cinematography. The story centers on a Michigan businessman, portrayed by Scott, whose daughter vanishes after a church outing to California. He travels to California looking for her and soon discovers she’s become involved in the X-Rated film industry. It's an inconsistent experience; at times it feels exaggerated with unrealistic situations, while other moments are genuinely moving and impactful. The conflict between religious beliefs and worldly temptations is presented boldly, which surprisingly elevates the movie beyond accusations of being exploitative material. The film also incorporates noir elements that viewers might appreciate—the exploration of a dark world populated by troubled individuals is captivating thanks to the performances. Scott’s character undergoes a transformation, evolving from an ordinary, religious businessman into someone who must embrace corruption to uncover what he's searching for, displaying familiar noir traits. Problems arose during production due to creative disagreements, and this becomes obvious with the film’s underwhelming ending. It feels like a concession, a missed opportunity to deliver a truly impactful conclusion. The expected suspenseful climax is abandoned in favor of a more conventional heroic resolution. That's unfortunate, but it doesn't diminish the fact that this remains an interesting and compelling movie. 7/10

Source on TMDB