The Rise and Fall of BlackBerry

The film BlackBerry delves into the captivating saga of a once-mighty tech giant, showcasing its remarkable ascent and rapid decline.

In the film's opening, we meet Jim Balsillie, the newly appointed CEO of RIM, as he enters a cluttered office wearing a sharp suit. It's his first day, and he learns that U.S. Robotics has thwarted a crucial $16 million deal. He demands to speak to them, startling a group of disorganized engineers engrossed in video games.

“Who are you trying to reach?” one engineer asks, confused. The lack of support staff is indicative of the company's dire financial situation, leaving Balsillie's workspace still in a box.

For those who experienced the 2000s, BlackBerry was a familiar name, representing one of the first smartphones. During its peak, owning one symbolized professional importance, as it allowed users to check emails on the go. In 2008, RIM boasted a formidable 45% share of the fragmented cellphone market. However, by 2013, they struggled to keep up with the iPhone's success and the burgeoning app ecosystem, eventually shifting their focus to software development.

The film BlackBerry serves as a dramatization of the narrative presented in the book Losing the Signal: The Untold Story Behind the Extraordinary Rise and Spectacular Fall of BlackBerry. Covering 17 years of history, the film emphasizes critical events: Balsillie's introduction, a forgotten prototype during a pitch meeting, evading a hostile takeover by Palm, and the chaos ignited by Apple's iPhone debut.

The central theme revolves around the contrasting leadership styles of co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie. While Lazaridis embodies the thoughtful tech innovator, Balsillie represents the aggressive corporate strategist. Their initial collaboration fuels the company's success, but ultimately, it leads to its downfall.

Actor Glenn Howerton, known for his role in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, excels as the charismatic and ruthless Balsillie. His portrayal showcases a man who makes swift decisions and operates with a strict business philosophy: "Never accept their offer of water; it makes you appear weak."

In contrast, Jay Baruchel portrays Lazaridis as a timid figure, hunched and soft-spoken, often overshadowed by Balsillie’s domineering presence. Yet, his commitment to excellence drives the company forward repeatedly, as he believes that "good enough is the enemy of humanity."

Writer and director Matt Johnson also appears as Doug Fregin, one of the founders, capturing the essence of a silent observer amidst the tumultuous dynamic between the leads. His character, resembling an aging hippie, ultimately highlights Lazaridis' strengths, emerging as an unexpected victor.

With its tightly woven script and visuals that evoke the appropriate era, BlackBerry tells a complex story with remarkable fluidity. The stylized cinematography enhances the film's urgency, as noted by The Globe and Mail, which describes it as "shot as if captured by hidden cameras," creating a sense of immersive realism.

As a Canadian, I may be partial, but it's hard to deny that BlackBerry is a captivating and distinctive film. If you prefer to rely on external opinions, Rotten Tomatoes awarded it a Certified Fresh 98% approval rating, supported by reviews such as:

"What emerges from the electronic noise and fussy aesthetic of 'BlackBerry' is a compelling portrait of a company that flew too close to the sun." — Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times

"BlackBerry made me want to run through a wall and scream about the beauty of movies for adults until I was hoarse. This really is one of the year’s best movies." — Cory Woodroof, USA Today

Indeed, if you're yearning for well-written films that cater to an adult audience rather than superhero fans, BlackBerry might just be the perfect fit for you.

BlackBerry is currently screening in theaters.

Interviews with Glenn Howerton and Jay Baruchel about their roles in BlackBerry provide insight into the film's production and character dynamics.

Featurettes on the directing of BlackBerry highlight the creative process behind this engaging film.