Short Film (2018). Director.

Hardened is the story of Russel - A fifty-something father and concreter working day-to-day as a foreman. Despite having recently separated from his wife of twenty years, Russell still holds hope of returning back home. But this may not be possible unless he can overcome years of emotional detachment from his wife and teenage son.

 

After the abrupt and unforeseen suicide of his seemingly carefree best-friend; the tightly controlled rhythm of Russell’s daily life begins to unravel. Propelling him further towards an emotional breakdown - as he seeks human connection to escape his grief. Threatening to finally dismantle the mask of hardness he’s been wearing for years and reveal his complete vulnerability in front of those he loves.

 

What follows is a compelling and timely examination of the nature of toxic masculinity - passed from generation to generation and how it can shape our lives.

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The short film is now on its festival tour, but you can watch the trailer above soon.