Project Power is a 2020 American science fiction action film directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. The film stars Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback, and it was released on August 14, 2020, by Netflix. The story is set in a near-future New Orleans and revolves around a mysterious drug called "Power," which grants users temporary superpowers for five minutes, with unpredictable effects.
The plot begins with the distribution of the Power pill among drug dealers, leading to chaos in the streets as users experience various abilities, from super strength to invisibility. The narrative follows three main characters: Frank Shaver (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a police officer who uses the drug to combat crime; Art (Jamie Foxx), a former soldier seeking revenge against those responsible for his daughter's abduction; and Robin (Dominique Fishback), a teenage dealer who becomes embroiled in their quest. Together, they aim to track down the source of the drug and stop its distribution before it further endangers their city.
Critics received Project Power with mixed-to-positive reviews, praising the performances of the lead cast and the film's action sequences, while criticizing its screenplay for lacking depth. The film's exploration of themes such as power dynamics and social issues relevant to New Orleans resonated with some viewers, although many felt that it did not fully capitalize on its intriguing premise.
Financially, Project Power was produced with a budget of approximately $85 million and became one of Netflix's notable releases in 2020. It garnered attention for its unique concept and engaging action but also highlighted the challenges of balancing thematic substance with entertainment in modern action films.
Overall, Project Power combines elements of superhero lore with a gritty urban setting, offering an entertaining yet flawed exploration of what individuals might do when given extraordinary abilities—if only for a fleeting moment.