Code 8 (2019) is a science fiction action film directed by Jeff Chan, set in a near-future society where 4% of the population possesses supernatural abilities. These individuals, known as “Powereds,” face severe discrimination and are forced to live in poverty, often resorting to illegal activities to survive. The film stars Robbie Amell as Connor Reed, a young man with electrical powers, and Stephen Amell as Garrett, a criminal who recruits Connor into his gang.

The plot follows Connor, who struggles to make ends meet while caring for his ill mother. Desperate to raise money for her medical treatment, he turns to crime, using his abilities to assist Garrett’s gang in heists. The gang’s primary target is the dangerous and powerful drug known as “Psyke,” which is harvested from the spinal fluid of Powereds. As they delve deeper into the criminal underworld, Connor is pulled further into dangerous territory, forced to make difficult moral choices while evading law enforcement.

Code 8 combines elements of science fiction, crime thriller, and social commentary, exploring themes of inequality, oppression, and the lengths individuals will go to protect their loved ones. The film’s unique concept and gritty tone set it apart from typical superhero movies, offering a more grounded and dystopian perspective on what life might be like for people with extraordinary abilities in a society that marginalizes them.

The film was originally a short concept that gained popularity and was funded through a successful crowdfunding campaign, which allowed the creators to expand it into a full-length feature. Its combination of strong performances from the Amell cousins, intense action sequences, and social themes resonated with fans, making it a standout entry in the sci-fi genre.