Hard Target

The film begins with a man fleeing from a gang in the streets of New Orleans. Among the pursuers is a skilled hunter armed with a high-tech crossbow, determined to capture him.

As the man reaches a wooden boat dock, he is shot twice by the crossbow wielder. One bolt pierces his military dog tags, leading to his collapse into the water below.

The man's body is soon recovered from the water and his belongings, including a money belt, are seized by Pik Van Cleaf, a member of the gang. The leader, Emile Fouchon, confirms that the hunt was successful.

Natascha 'Nat' Binder arrives from Detroit, seeking information about her father, who was murdered by the same gang. She begins her search at local missions and soup kitchens.

While at a diner, Nat unwittingly shows her money to a group of thugs and is attacked outside. Chance Boudreaux intervenes, demonstrating his fighting skills to save her.

After the altercation, Chance learns that he cannot work until his union dues are paid. Nat later finds him and offers to pay for his help in finding her father, leading him to reluctantly agree.

Nat and Chance visit Detective Marie Mitchell, who reveals that Nat's father's remains were found in a burned warehouse. The initial assumption is that it was an accident, but both are skeptical.

Chance investigates the warehouse and discovers one of Nat's father's dog tags, which has a suspicious hole in it. He is ambushed by two gang members but manages to overpower them, although he ends up arrested.

Elijah Roper, who knew Nat's father, reveals that he was distributing flyers for a brothel associated with the gang. This unsettling truth leads Chance and Nat further into the criminal underbelly of New Orleans.

Chance confronts Randal Poe at a massage parlor to extract information about Nat's father. It becomes clear that the coroner is complicit in covering up the gang's illicit activities.

After a successful confrontation, Fouchon's gang kills the coroner upon learning police are onto them. They devise a final hunt in New Orleans before fleeing overseas, highlighting their desperate measures.

Roper finds himself in a deadly game where he is pursued and ultimately slain by Fouchon’s merciless crew. This sets off a chain of events leading Chance and Nat back to confront the gang.

Nat and Chance find their way back to Poe, only to witness him being executed by Pik. Cornered by Fouchon's men, they suffer the loss of Detective Mitchell, heightening the stakes.

With no time to spare, Chance commandeers a motorcycle, and he and Nat must flee from Fouchon's relentless crew. They enter the bayou, attempting to turn the landscape to their advantage.

The climax occurs in the Mardi Gras Graveyard, where Chance faces Pik in a fierce battle. Utilizing the environment, Chance ultimately defeats Pik, allowing him and Nat a chance for safety.