Words by Taha Khambaty
Fronted by a solid cast, BlackBerry follows the rise of one of the Y2K’s most famous technologies.
In a year teeming with hype surrounding films about iconic figures like Barbie, Mario, and Spider-Man, a new genre has quietly emerged, delivering surprisingly enjoyable films. Welcome to the era of 80s and 90s product films, where everything from Air Jordans to Tetris, and even the beloved Cheetos Flamin’ Hot flavour, takes centre stage. Yet. among this bunch, one film swipes away all others, BlackBerry.
Directed by Matt Johnson, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Matthew Miller, BlackBerry unlocks the story of the world’s first smartphone. It’s a tale of brilliant innovations and the relentless pursuit of profit that led to its ultimate downfall.
From the very first scene, the film introduces us to its central trio, providing a glimpse of the intricate dynamics that will define the rest of the narrative. We meet genius inventor Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and alongside him is hot-headed businessman Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton), and also Doug Fregin (Matt Johnson), the goofy and endearing heart of the team.
The film deftly showcases the internal struggle that becomes the film’s driving force. Mike, a brilliant yet meek engineer, faces a choice between loyalty to Doug and the allure of Jim’s capitalistic ambition. It’s a decision between the heart and ideals on which he founded the company and the pursuit of his company’s financial success.
As the narrative unfolds, we see Mike being continuously pulled towards Jim’s worldview, sacrificing more and more for BlackBerry’s financial triumph. Jay Baruchel delivers a brilliant performance, embodying the complex duality of his character, making his shyness go from endearing to frustrating. His changing clothing style also acts as a subtle yet powerful visual representation of this transformation.
Matt Johnson, who also plays Doug, strikes a delicate balance between goofiness and a genuine love for the work and people at BlackBerry. This stark contrast is accentuated by Glenn Howerton’s portrayal of Jim, skillfully treading the line between being an angry jerk and a brilliant foul-mouth opportunist.
What sets BlackBerry apart from the crowd of product films this year is its exceptional script. The film maintains a brisk pace that keeps the momentum alive, mirroring the growing hype around the product itself. This metaphor persists as the company and Mike’s journey gradually lose momentum, albeit leading to a moment of uncertainty in the plot’s direction.
Despite this minor hiccup, the script boasts numerous successes, especially in its exposition scenes. These scenes concisely deliver essential information with the gravitas of world-changing knowledge. Moreover, BlackBerry avoids dwelling excessively on the time period, providing just enough context to immerse the audience before swiftly moving on.
Throughout its two-hour runtime, BlackBerry continually fleshes out its main characters and masterfully weaves in the overarching theme of the perils of infinite growth. Wardrobe and set design serve as essential storytelling tools, enhancing the viewer’s connection to the narrative.
In the end, BlackBerry serves as a shining example of how a well-crafted script and exceptional acting form the foundation of a remarkable cinematic experience. The film encapsulates the highs and lows of the tech industry’s rise and fall, leaving audiences with a deeper understanding of the human drama behind the creation of a revolutionary product.
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