A daring new independent film from Bad Radical Films, Violent Heart, transports audiences into a dystopian world where memories have become virtual commodities and grief blurs the line between past and present. The art-house action thriller, crafted on a minimal budget, merges raw action scenes with deep introspective themes, aiming to resonate with audiences by probing the human spirit’s resilience.
The film’s co-director and creator, Duane Frey, spoke about the inspiration behind the project. “This film was born from a passion to tell stories that explore both the darkness and resilience of humanity,” he explained. Remarkably, Violent Heart was shot over six intense days, involving a dedicated team of only seven members. With no formal script in place, lead actor Owen Fawcett improvised his role, experiencing the dystopian world as if for the first time. “Our lead improvised nearly every moment, which made his journey feel raw, unfiltered, and incredibly real,” Frey added.
A Unique Vision and Testament to No-Budget Filmmaking
Set against a toxic, post-apocalyptic Earth, Violent Heart centres on a man grappling with the fragmented memories of his late wife. Forced out of hiding following a violent attack on his underground refuge, he is driven by vengeance and compelled to confront physical threats and his own tortured mind. The film, described as a mix of survival and psychological exploration, mirrors current-day themes of memory, grief, and survival.
Drawing inspiration from dystopian classics such as Children of Men and The Road, Violent Heart is notable for its commitment to gritty realism, achieved through practical effects and handheld cinematography. Comparisons have been made to Andrei Tarkovsky’s Stalker for the film’s psychological depth, although Violent Heart stands out by offering a fresh take on both the action and art house genres.
Crowdfunding to Complete the Vision
With principal filming complete, Frey and his co-director, Andrew Bussey, are now turning to the public for support. They have launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to raise £9,000 ($11,500) for essential post-production work, including editing, colour grading, and sound design. Supporters are being offered perks such as limited-edition posters, VHS tapes from the director’s collection, digital downloads, and on-screen credits in return for their backing.
Elsa Bussey, a committed supporter, recently contributed £800 ($1,000) to the project, earning her an Executive Producer title, a sign of the enthusiasm the film has generated within the independent film community. “This film defies limitations,” said Bussey. “Our goal is to immerse audiences in a visceral journey that’s not only thrilling but thought-provoking. We want Violent Heart to resonate and spark conversations about memory, grief, and survival in a world where so much has been lost.”
An Invitation to Support Independent Cinema
Bad Radical Films is reaching out to independent film enthusiasts and supporters to help bring Violent Heart to life. Contributions to the crowdfunding campaign and social media support are seen as vital to completing the project. Co-director Andrew Bussey added, “This film is more than a story; it’s a reminder of the power of resilience, community, and independent cinema. Together, we can make this vision a reality.”
With its ambitious themes and DIY ethos, Violent Heart aims to join the ranks of independent cinema that challenge conventional filmmaking methods and explore the boundaries of the human experience.
