BlackBerry

The first day of Competition films at the Berlinale culminates with a real banger after a lukewarm opening film for the Special Gala section. Based on Jacquie McNish’s business chronicle Losing the Signal, Canadian production BlackBerry wittily narrates the rise and fall of the Ontario tech company that pioneered the smartphone. From the early days of failed pitches to becoming the most sought-after device in North America to sinking into obscurity as “the phone that people had before they had an iPhone,” the tragicomedy takes viewers on a wild ride of ambition and greed.

Director Matt Johnson also co-wrote the script and co-stars as Douglas Fregin (one of the original founders of Research in Motion and picture-book nerd). Staying true to Johnson’s preferred mockumentary style, the feature’s cinematography operates on a two-camera setup that moves with and between the actors, giving the structure a bright-eyed and spontaneous feel. With a snappy editing pace to aid the humour of the screenplay, the three decades unpacked in these two hours fly by.

Based on physical appearance alone, Jay Baruchel may not immediately spring to everybody’s mind as the definitive actor to embody CEO Mike Lazaridis, so the artificial mop of whitish hair on his head takes some getting used to. Nevertheless the comedian’s earnest portrayal of a deeply conflicted genius seduced by success is top-notch – especially in his scenes with Glenn Howerton, who wows in equal measure as his alpha-male counterpart, Jim Balsillie. The iridescent ensemble making up the supporting characters includes Saul Rubinek, Mad Men’s Rich Sommer and Cary Elwes.

One may be tempted to describe the tonal and stylistic approache as something akin to The Social Network meets The Office, however, what makes BlackBerry such a rewarding experience is precisely that it doesn’t try to emulate Hollywood productions but succinctly finds its own voice.

Selina Sondermann

BlackBerry does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Berlin Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Berlin Film Festival website here.