Hardcore Hearts is the story about a hardcore rock band. Based in Sacramento, California, each member of the group has a different religious or moral belief and struggles to uphold their faith and friendships. Along with Christianity, Mormonism, Judaism and other typical suburban belief structures, there is also agnostics, atheists, and even dogmatic ethics such as the Skinheads Against Racial Prejudice and Straight-edge, at play. Set against the backdrop of the underground music scene, this film raises questions about friendship, faith, and ultimately: love. In a world filled with religious battles and religious persecution, this hardcore band in a residential city mirrors the battles we face as an American society still in peril with it’s own religious conflicts. Where does sexuality fit in? Who is right or wrong? Where is the line drawn with tolerance and acceptance? Most importantly, where is the priority placed? Hardcore Hearts takes on these painful and often overwhelming issues, using music as it’s expressive vessel. Each character’s struggles are synonymous with the behavior and characteristics of our religious society today.

Our main character, Luke, tries to balance his once strong, now weakened Christian faith with his passion for music as the lead singer of Hand of Blood. His increasing doubt clouds his convictions and he allows himself to be seduced by his new love, Tye. Confused and upset, Luke leaves the church in a rage, spiraling downward in a drunken haze. Meanwhile Jayce, the guitar player and best friend of Luke, is struggling with his strict Mormon beliefs and his desires as a gay man. The drummer, Sam, has let his gang the SHARPs take it upon themselves to be Sacramento’s “Prejudice Police” and which have severe repercussions. The Straight-Edge bass player, Corey’s hate and anger has grown so big that he disowns all his friends who aren’t Straight-Edge. All of their differences get in the way and sparks the dissolution of the band. In Luke's search for answers he makes the decision to break up with Tye, due to her atheist beliefs, and pushes his friends away, because of the difference in their religious beliefs. Will the group realize their faults? Will Luke and Tye resolve their problems? 

Through each of their journeys, they find that love may be the very thing that will save them all, but at what cost?