Hardcore

A subculture of intrepid travelers exists on the edge of American society. People see these wanderers in passing, never really considering from where they come or to where they go. They stand by roadsides and on off ramps, their thumbs out as they wait for a ride. They trudge through city streets and down back roads, their backs bent under the weight of their gear. They hop freight trains on the sly. They sleep under bridges and bushes. They roam wherever the wind carries them, some with purpose and others without.

Amid these frenetic movements of people is Zero, a freight train rider, drifting without direction. He thieves and cons to get by, not caring who he screws over. While in Austin, Texas he scams three fellow train riders, believing that he will never meet them again. After accidentally hopping the wrong train, he ends up in New Orleans, where his biggest scam comes back to haunt him. In the enigmatic French Quarter, Zero meets some strange and colorful characters, including Derek – a fortune teller who scams then warns him – Ghost – a fellow traveler who ultimately saves his life – Sugaree – a beautiful woman who seduces and deceives him – and the Wizard – who threatens to take from him the only thing that he holds dear, his freedom.

With the Wizard’s dark influence, Zero’s inner demons strengthen and nearly devour him. Life becomes a battle for Zero’s soul as he struggles against both himself and an unseen enemy, all the while trying to maintain the good within him.