Jean Luc Herbulot's film Zero merges high-octane action with a radical political narrative, drawing significant inspiration from video game aesthetics. Set in Dakar, the plot follows two Americans caught in a deadly game, guided by a voice through their earphones. Herbulot's background as a video gamer heavily influences his storytelling, particularly reflected in his previous film Saloum. With the depth of emotion and commentary, Herbulot challenges audiences while delivering a thrilling experience in a concise runtime, exploring themes of isolation, chaos, and societal critique.
Zero follows two Americans who wake up in Dakar strapped into bomb vests and wearing earbuds, through which a mysterious voice tells them what to do.
Herbulot told Polygon he also drew deeply from video games for both Saloum and Zero, showcasing his passion as a lifelong gamer.
The film's premise ended up being way more emotional and political than I thought, drawing inspiration from action games and real-world events.
I was like, How can I copy this fucked-up mission and put it in Africa? The result is a thrilling blend of action and stark commentary.
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