This film is part of our series THE FUTURE WE LIVE IN, showing in March and April at De Uitkijk.
Hackers (1995) by Iain Softley is a cult classic within the cyberpunk genre. The film follows a group of young, rebellious hackers who unintentionally get caught up in a criminal conspiracy when one of them copies a secret document from a corporate computer. This puts them in the crosshairs of the FBI and the notorious ex-hacker known as The Plague.
Blending cyberpunk aesthetics with a youthful, anarchistic energy, Hackers offers a visually spectacular interpretation of cyberspace. While the hacking techniques are far from realistic, the film’s exaggerated style adds to its undeniable charm. Its influence can be seen in later films like The Matrix, which shares a similar fusion of digital dystopia and technological imagination.
One of Hackers’ greatest strengths is its cast, featuring a young Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller. The film’s electrifying soundtrack, featuring artists like Orbital and The Prodigy, enhances the audiovisual experience, giving it a timeless quality. Though Hackers received mixed reviews upon its release, it has since gained cult status, thanks in part to its visionary take on digital culture and the emergence of hacker subcultures.