BlackBerry

BlackBerry follows the unlikely partnership between Mike Lazaridis, a meticulous inventor, and Jim Balsillie, a ruthless dealmaker, as they team up to build a handheld device that would change how the world stays connected. The film traces their early experiments and the rapid growth of a startup born in Canada, driven by stubborn vision and relentless problem solving. It shows how their alliance pushes through technical hurdles, fierce competition, and the pressure of turning a lab project into a global product. The story explores ambition and risk, hinting at the high price paid when culture and commerce collide, and it sketches the friction between idealism and the demands of a fast growing enterprise. It also hints at the personal cost to the founders.

Directed by Matt Johnson, BlackBerry adapts Losing the Signal by Jacquie McNish and Sean Silcoff. The 2023 film brings the Canadian origin story of a global phenomenon to the screen, with a keen eye for period detail and tech culture. The adaptation preserves the period atmosphere and the business decisions that shaped the timeline.

Set against the late 1990s and early 2000s, the film highlights how Lazaridis and Balsillie built a device that reshaped work and communication, turning a small startup into a worldwide name and helping define the era of mobile business. The late 1990s setting also shows the pressure of investors and the media spotlight.

Critics note a brisk blend of humor and history with sharp dialogue, anchored by Jay Baruchel as Lazaridis and Glenn Howerton as Balsillie. The movie probes ambition, partnership, and the costs of rapid success in tech, with the leads delivering a tangible chemistry that keeps the human side in view.

Awards: The project drew some industry attention in regional circles, with praise for performances and production design, but it did not accrue major prize wins. Some critics highlight its energy, while others note pacing issues, suggesting the film may find more recognition in the home market. This film positions Canadian tech history in the spotlight and invites audiences to rethink entrepreneurship.