28.10.23
Blackberry plays out like a lo-fi version of The Big Short, with a punk energy and washed-out aesthetic that I found very refreshing. Like many films from the last 10 years that have tried to emulate the style of Aaron Sorkin’s work, it’s full of rapid-fire dialogue, biting humour and some sharp directing choices that give it an energised, indie spirit.
Its 90’s culture nods and energised soundtrack full of bands from my youth such as NOFX, Elastica and The Strokes give the film ‘time-capsule’ appeal, and the attention to detail capturing the styles and culture of the 90s tech boom is impressive. Glenn Howerton, who I’ve only ever seen from series one of Fargo, nails it as Jim Balsillie, balancing toughness and humour perfectly. His intensity paired with spot-on comedic timing electrifies every scene he’s in, similar to what Christian Bale did with Michael Burry; a different type of character but both add to the seriousness of the narrative they find themselves in.
In minor criticism, I wanted Blackberry to be longer to flesh out more of the fascinating history behind the iconic smartphones’ rise and fall. The first half focusing on Blackberry’s underdog beginnings deserves even more exploration as well. The cast of underknown big-screen actors, including YouTube’s ProZD, give smart, subdued performances that make the story seem impressively real.
Blackberry would make for an ideal double bill with Steve Jobs, as while Apple continues rising to greater heights, we are reminded of the downfall of the phones that once dominated but couldn’t keep up with the times. The parallels give the ending added weight that resonates hard, especially when the percentage of Blackberry’s market share inevitably, and quite sadly, hits zero. An insightful drama and humorous study of contrasting leadership styles within business and how their actions shaped future landscapes in our tech-obsessed world.