TALES FROM TIFF: "SWIPED" Is A Modern Tech Revolution Film That Champions Women As The Lead! And We Love It!

 

written by Evan L. Jackson 

    Lily James continually takes on these roles where she plays real life people that have massively impacted the culture. First, taking on the role of portraying Pamela Anderson, in the limited series "Pam & Tommy" Lily brilliantly plays Pam as exposed, hurt and fighting for her privacy. Here in "Swiped" Lily equally pours her heart in this role, portraying the real life Whitney Wolfe. In the film you see Lily balance work life, revolutionizing the dating app world, while her world crumbles down. Only for her to build it back up! How impressive is that! 

   I have seen a few film critics brush this film off in comparison to 2010's 'Social Network' which is a very lazy comparison. With the former, that film was cold and detached in a lot of ways. With this film it's in your face and you feel the vulnerability through out. What is also apparent too throughout the film is the sensitivity of the source material. The real Whitney Wolfe was under an NDA after her time at Tinder. She was the co-founder but this was deemed as a "soft" move to include her in the wins of the company. Lily James portrays this in a very particular way. The pace of the events in the film are fast when it comes to her success but when it comes to the uncomfortable scenes it feels methodically and gut wrenching. Lily James body language entirely changes, as if she's trapped, when approached by Jackson White's character Justin. You just feel the ick coming on, a testament to both actors. Jackson White of course from, 'Tell Me Lies' is perfectly cast for this role as an overzealous tech bro. One of the most chilling scenes was at party and Justin corners Whitney in a hallway, lit red as if it was horror film, and just a sinking feeling comes on. Oh no! What is Just going to do to Whitney or what is he going to say? That sense of dread and danger is also attributed to the brilliant directing choices from the film's director Rachel Lee Goldenberg. 

                

      Rachel Lee Goldenberg offers up a slick film that is cool yet when it comes to the serious matters you feel the weight of them. I feel this an early favorite for the 2026 Emmys as Best Television Film. The numerous films that highlight start ups convienently and erase the women behind these tech giants. I love that this film champions women and sees themselves as the heroes of their own story. The pivotal moment of the film for me was when Whitney picked her self up out of a deep spiral, took accountability when talking to Tisha (portrayed by the great Myha'la), and restarted her life. The real Whitney Wolfe revolutionized the tech world by demanding respect and ensuring the women within the company and her platform be respected too. Lily James earnestness of portraying her made this film better! 

    A gem of this film was definitely Myha'la. She serves as foundation that upholds Lily throughout the film. Every great tech story seen on film needs a trusty friend to empower them when needed. A fun scene that lit the second half of the film was Lily and Myha'la were game planning on the name Bumble for their new dating app. And making the platform safer for women was the key difference. That's essentially the cruz of the film. What makes you different? What makes you stand apart? Tales of modern tech start ups can be generic but Swiped make it exciting. This thrilling film highlights women and doesn't gloss over the ups and downs but puts you in their shoes. Making you feel triumphant at the end of this film. You can see this film on Hulu on September 19th.