--- title: "BlackBerry" year: 2023 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/blackberry" fi1m_id: "blackberry" imdb_id: "tt21867434" tmdb_id: 1016084 wikidata_id: "Q116315647" fi1m_score: 78 critics_score: 76 critics_reviews: 26 published: "2026-09-24T10:28:11.444458+00:00" updated: "2026-09-24T10:29:13.445438+00:00" region: "UA" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # BlackBerry (2023) Directed by Matt Johnson · 2h 00m · Comedy, Drama, History ## Identity BlackBerry - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/blackberry - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** blackberry - **IMDb ID:** tt21867434 - **TMDB ID:** 1016084 - **Wikidata ID:** Q116315647 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21867434/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1016084, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116315647 **Fi1m score: 78** · Critics 76 from 26 reviews *In a sentence:* Glenn Howerton makes a convincing case for keeping all meetings under five minutes > Matt Johnson makes a funny, uneasy workplace comedy, with Glenn Howerton’s barely contained rage keeping it sharp. The inventors are worth spending time with; the corporate drama is less persuasive once it starts asking for more of our attention. ## Synopsis Mike (Jay Baruchel) is an awkward inventor trying to turn his work on the BlackBerry into a successful business. Doug (Matt Johnson) shares the pleasure of making the device work, while businessman Jim (Glenn Howerton) brings a more forceful approach. Mike wants his phone to succeed, but building it and running a company require different skills. Jim’s demands put the inventors’ enthusiasm under pressure, and Doug’s easygoing manner does little to make the three men compatible. As they try to develop the phone and the company together, their competing priorities make working with one another a problem that technical ingenuity alone cannot solve. ## Review Matt Johnson’s *BlackBerry* is a good workplace comedy with a less convincing corporate drama attached. Its strongest subject is the difficulty of making something with people whose company becomes harder to bear as the work starts to matter. The script, written with Matthew Miller, gives the inventors time to enjoy their work. Their enthusiasm matters: it gives us a reason to care about the phone beyond its prospects as a product. Jay Baruchel plays Mike with an awkwardness that makes technical confidence and social uncertainty believable in the same person. He gives the inventor enough stubbornness to keep the sympathy from becoming automatic. Matt Johnson’s Doug adds a looser comic presence, and the difference between the performances helps. Doug’s enthusiasm could easily become an excuse to make him the fool. Instead, the actor lets us understand why someone might prefer his company to that of a more efficient businessman. Glenn Howerton’s Jim is the reason the comedy becomes uncomfortable. He gives the aggression enough precision to keep it funny, without making it harmless; we can understand why this man might get results and still dread working with him. We laughed at Jim’s fury, then found ourselves tensing at his composure. The anger seems ready to return before he has even finished being reasonable. Jay Baruchel’s hesitancy gives his co-star something to press against, so the performances work together rather than merely compete for attention. Jared Raab’s cinematography has a scrappy quality that suits people trying to invent something without looking particularly impressive while they do it. Curt Lobb’s editing gives that untidiness pace, keeping the effort of invention lively and the friction between the men apparent. The images and cuts can also become busy enough to distract from an exchange we would rather watch settle. The style mostly works because the actors provide clear differences in temperament beneath all that activity. Adam Belanger’s production design fits the film’s unpolished approach, keeping the surroundings from becoming more interesting than the people. Jay McCarrol’s score is similarly secondary to the performances. Neither department needs to make the invention feel momentous when Mike’s pleasure in building it is so readily understood. The emphasis on people doing their jobs suits the comedy, though the supporting craft makes less of an impression once the dramatic demands increase. Matt Johnson and Matthew Miller are less sure-footed when corporate manoeuvring takes greater weight. The characters remain watchable, but the storytelling loses some of the clarity that makes their early friction so entertaining. The warnings about ambition become familiar before the film has made each business decision clear. At 120 minutes, it has room to make those connections more persuasive. The later scenes need firmer links between them. Among films about business, *BlackBerry* earns its place by taking the inventors’ enjoyment seriously. That gives the familiar cautionary tale some warmth, even when the plotting becomes less tidy than it ought to be. The comedy is the reason we would recommend it, with a warning that the drama cannot always keep pace. Come for the pleasure of watching three actors make collaboration look exhausting. *Fi1m score 78, published 24 September 2026.* ## What the critics say Most critics find BlackBerry an entertaining, often funny account of corporate ambition going wrong, with praise concentrated on its performances. Glenn Howerton’s tightly wound Jim Balsillie is the recurring favourite, while Jay Baruchel and Matt Johnson earn credit for the warmth and comic energy around him. The reviews also value Johnson’s scrappy direction and the attention paid to the inventors’ enthusiasm, which gives the business story a human cost. The spread runs from enthusiastic to mixed, with no outright negative verdicts. Reservations concern uneven storytelling, uncertain tone and a second half that loses focus. The Hollywood Reporter finds the workplace comedy more convincing than the corporate thriller, while Little White Lies questions how much stays with us afterwards. The rough style divides opinion too: Empire notes stylistic drawbacks, whereas Eye for Film praises the editing and images for making the frantic invention process and the characters’ instability tangible. ## Straight answers **Is BlackBerry worth watching?** *BlackBerry* is worth watching for its funny, uneasy workplace comedy and three well-matched central performances; we score it 78 out of 100. Glenn Howerton’s controlled fury keeps the collaboration uncomfortable, though we find the corporate drama less persuasive as business decisions take more attention and the storytelling loses clarity. **How long is BlackBerry, and what is it rated?** *BlackBerry* runs 2h 00m. It is a comedy and drama film. **Where can I watch BlackBerry in Ukraine?** *BlackBerry* is not on any streaming or rental service in Ukraine at the moment. It is available in 30 other countries; change your country at the top of the page to see where. Availability is checked daily. **How violent or frightening is BlackBerry, and is it suitable for children?** *BlackBerry* carries a UK 15 certificate, making it unsuitable for children under 15. We find Jim’s aggression funny but uncomfortable, with his apparent composure keeping us tense; that workplace hostility is the clearest concern we can identify, rather than any specific claim about violence or frightening imagery. **How does BlackBerry compare to The Social Network?** *BlackBerry* is the warmer workplace comedy, while we recommend [*The Social Network*](https://film.one/film/the-social-network) as the more gripping business drama. Both follow an invention becoming a business as relationships come under pressure, but *BlackBerry* gives more attention to the pleasure of making something together; its corporate plotting is less persuasive than its comedy. ### Reviews we read (26) - **Sight and Sound** (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film hugely entertaining and bittersweet, while noting its sobering point about how quickly cultural obsessions become obsolete. Glenn Howerton’s performance as Jim Balsillie is singled out as outstanding. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/blackberry-this-biting-tech-world-satire-reminds-us-that-we-all-might-be-dinosaurs-waiting) - **Variety**, Peter Debruge (Critics Pick): Debruge finds the film a fresh, entertaining satire of the rise and fall of BlackBerry. He singles out Glenn Howerton’s ferocious performance as the standout in a terrific ensemble. [Read](https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/blackberry-review-glenn-howerton-jay-baruchel-1235525577/) - **IndieWire**, Steph Green (B+): Green praises the film as a funny, sharp take on corporate hubris that avoids becoming mean-spirited. She singles out Matt Johnson’s zany direction and comic style as what lifts the story beyond a straightforward account of the phone’s rise and fall. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/blackberry-review-matt-johnson-1234811136/) - **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (3/4/3): Strong finds the film entertaining but says it lacks staying power. She singles out Glenn Howerton’s performance as its standout, praising his portrayal of the bullish Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/blackberry) - **Radio Times**, Max Copeman (4/5): The critic finds the true-life rise and fall of BlackBerry compellingly chronicled. The film’s account of the company’s rapid ascent and decline is singled out as especially compelling. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-jpm9bi/blackberry/) - **The Guardian**, Wendy Ide (4/5): Ide finds the film an intriguing, energetic account of corporate failure that refreshingly avoids the usual success-story arc. She particularly praises Glenn Howerton’s tightly wound performance as Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/oct/08/blackberry-review-smartphone-buy-opic-is-a-wild-ride) - **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The review calls the film a rollicking Silicon Valley satire. It singles out Glenn Howerton’s performance as Oscar-worthy. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/blackberry-2023) - **Los Angeles Times**, Katie Walsh (76/100, inferred): Walsh finds the film a compelling portrait of a company undone by its own shortcuts and shady deals. She especially praises Glenn Howerton’s dazzling, charismatic performance as Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-05-11/review-a-frenetic-take-on-the-crash-and-burn-trajectory-of-the-iconic-blackberry) - **Empire**, Beth Webb (75/100, inferred): The review finds the film succeeds through its heart, humour, and comic performances, despite some stylistic drawbacks. It especially praises Glenn Howerton’s magnetic, ferocious performance as Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/blackberry/) - **Slant Magazine**, Chris Barsanti (3/4): Barsanti finds the film a rollicking, character-focused comedy that succeeds by keeping its tech-world story grounded. He particularly praises the cast, singling out Glenn Howerton’s blistering rage and Matt Johnson’s comedic performance. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/blackberry-review-jay-baruchel-glenn-howerton/) - **The New Yorker**, Anthony Lane (75/100, inferred): Lane finds the film funny, disheartening, and oddly touching, valuing its account of success turning sour. He singles out the awkward, committed inventors and their joy in building the device. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/05/15/blackberry-movie-review-chile-76) - **Vulture**, Bilge Ebiri (75/100, inferred): Ebiri finds BlackBerry entertaining and charming, with its loose comic approach making its historical simplifications work. He especially praises the comic energy among Howerton, Baruchel, and Johnson. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/movie-review-jay-baruchel-and-glenn-howerton-in-blackberry.html) - **The AV Club**, Brent Simon (72/100, inferred): The critic finds the film entertaining and engaging, though it misses some opportunities to land its characters’ fates. He particularly praises Glenn Howerton’s mesmerizing, icy performance as Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/blackberry-movie-review-jay-baruchel-1850419043) - **Screen Daily**, Lee Marshall (65/100, inferred): The standfirst presents the film as a high-energy ride through the rise and fall of the first smartphone. It singles out that rise-and-fall trajectory, but the review’s full verdict is unavailable. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/blackberry-berlin-review/5179305.article) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (65/100, inferred): Rooney finds the film uneven but likable, with its workplace comedy more successful than its corporate-thriller descent. He praises the enjoyable character work of Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton, while faulting the haphazard storytelling and missed dramatic momentum. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/blackberry-review-jay-baruchel-glenn-howerton-1235328578/) - **The New York Times**, Jeannette Catsoulis (64/100, inferred): The accessible page does not expose the critic’s verdict. It also provides no praise or complaint to summarize. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/11/movies/blackberry-review.html) - **Total Film**, Neil Smith (3/5): Smith finds the film lively and entertaining, though its narrative loses focus in the second half. He particularly praises Glenn Howerton’s volatile performance as Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/blackberry-review/) - **Collider**, Marco Vito Oddo (A): The critic finds the docudrama thrilling, moving, and highly entertaining. They especially praise Doug as the film’s emotional heart and a reminder of the values lost in the company’s pursuit of success. [Read](https://collider.com/blackberry-movie-review-jay-baruchel/) - **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): Hammond finds the film highly entertaining and ultimately tragic, presenting it as both an underdog story and a cautionary tale. He especially praises Glenn Howerton’s dynamic performance as the forceful businessman Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://deadline.com/2023/05/blackberry-berlin-film-festival-review-biopic-of-smartphone-1235263514/) - **Eye for Film**, Jennie Kermode (80/100, inferred): Kermode finds the film energetic and incisive, with director Matt Johnson keeping its chaotic story coherent. She especially praises the editing and visual style for conveying the characters’ instability and the frantic process of invention. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/blackberry-2023-film-review-by-jennie-kermode) - **/Film**, Rafael Motamayor (8/10): Motamayor finds the film entertaining and often hilarious, praising its lively treatment of the company’s rise and fall. He especially singles out Glenn Howerton’s deranged, forceful performance as Jim Balsillie. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/1230407/blackberry-review-the-social-network-by-way-of-mike-judges-silicon-valley-sxsw-2023/) - **Paste**, Dom Sinacola (7.9/10): Sinacola praises the film as a hilarious, messy alternative to polished biopics, with Glenn Howerton’s volcanic performance as Jim Balsillie at its center. He also singles out Jay Baruchel’s empathetic portrayal of Mike Lazaridis and the film’s scrappy aesthetic. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/matt-johnson/blackberry-review) - **The Wrap** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an engaging, well-paced seriocomic cautionary tale, though it runs unnecessarily long. They praise the performances of Jay Baruchel and Glenn Howerton for capturing the protagonists’ contrasting personalities. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/blackberry-review-berlin-2023/) - **Consequence**, Liz Shannon Miller (70/100, inferred): The critic finds BlackBerry an effective, blunt portrait of the company’s rise and fall. She praises how the film makes its technical innovations understandable and Mike Lazaridis’s eventual obsolescence tragic. [Read](https://consequence.net/2023/05/blackberry-review-glenn-howerton-jay-baruchel/) - **The Playlist** (70/100, inferred): The headline presents the film as a boisterous, underdog-focused account of BlackBerry’s rise and fall. It singles out that underdog spirit as the review’s central appeal. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/blackberry-review-matt-johnsons-chronicling-of-the-rise-downfall-of-the-blackberry-is-a-boisterous-ode-to-the-underdog-berlin-20230217/) - **The Skinny**, Carmen Paddock (★★★): The review finds the film offbeat and ultimately engaging, though it takes too long to find its groove. It praises the performances but faults the blurred tone and the film’s overreliance on hindsight. [Read](https://www.theskinny.co.uk/film/new-releases/blackberry) ## Details - **Director:** Matt Johnson - **Director:** Matt Johnson - **Writer:** Matt Johnson, Matthew Miller - **Cinematography:** Jared Raab - **Editor:** Curt Lobb - **Music:** Jay McCarrol - **Production design:** Adam Belanger - **Producer:** Niv Fichman, Fraser Ash, Kevin Krikst - **Cast:** Jay Baruchel as Mike; Glenn Howerton as Jim; Matt Johnson as Doug; Saul Rubinek as John Woodman; Cary Elwes as Carl Yankowski; Rich Sommer as Paul Stanos; Michael Ironside as Charles Purdy; Martin Donovan as Rick Brock - **Runtime:** 2h 00m - **Release (Ukraine):** 18 May 2023 - **Genres:** Comedy, Drama, History - **Budget:** $5 million - **Box office:** $3 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXL_HDzBQsM ## Where to watch in Ukraine Not streaming, renting or buying in Ukraine at the last check. Also available in: AT, AU, BE, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, ID, IE, IN, IT, JP, LT, MX, MY, NL, NZ, PH, PL, PT, SE, SG, TH, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *The Social Network* (2010), Fi1m 91: Another invention becomes a business, and the friendships prove less durable. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-social-network.md) - *The Man in the White Suit* (1951): A new fabric causes trouble for people invested in keeping things unchanged. - *Tucker: The Man and His Dream* (1988): An inventor’s enthusiasm meets an industry with little appetite for competition. - *The Boss of It All* (2006): A corporate comedy for anyone who has suspected the boss is improvising. - *Office* (2015): Corporate ambition becomes a musical, with office hierarchy supplying plenty of friction. --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/blackberry