BlackBerry

BlackBerry

Year: 2023

Runtime: 119 min

Language: english

Echo Score: 75

Budget: $5M

BiographyDramaHistoryComedy

This biographical comedy follows a team of tech innovators as they strive to revolutionize mobile communication. Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton) lead the charge, partnering to create the iconic BlackBerry. The film explores their journey, highlighting the ambition, innovation, and challenges they faced in bringing this groundbreaking device to the world.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen BlackBerry yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – BlackBerry (2023)

Trace every key event in BlackBerry (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction to RIM

The film begins by introducing Research in Motion (RIM), led by CEO Mike Lazaridis and his partner Douglas Fregin. Their goal is to revolutionize mobile communication through innovative technology.

1996 Waterloo
2

Preparing for the Presentation

As Lazaridis and Fregin prepare for a crucial presentation of their new device called 'PocketLink', tensions rise within the team. Distractions arise from Balsillie's intercom, highlighting the chaotic atmosphere at RIM.

RIM Office
3

Pitching the Idea

The team presents their idea to potential investors, but the initial pitch results in a flop. Despite their enthusiasm and innovative designs, they struggle to convey the value of their creation.

4

Balsillie's Entry

After being fired from his previous job by Rick Brock, Jim Balsillie proposes a partnership with RIM. Initially hesitant, the team eventually accepts his terms, thinking it is necessary for their survival against US Robotics.

5

Financial Mismanagement Uncovered

Once involved with RIM, Balsillie discovers serious financial issues, including costly components that have lost value. This revelation adds pressure as he mortgages his own home to infuse cash into the struggling company.

6

The Chaotic Night

With a pitch to John Woodman of Bell Atlantic approaching, Lazaridis and Fregin experience a chaotic night, racing to finalize a working prototype of their device. Despite the setbacks, their hard work begins to pay off.

RIM Office
7

Birth of BlackBerry

The initial struggles culminate in the successful launch of the BlackBerry device. This innovative product quickly gains traction in the market, establishing RIM as a serious contender in mobile communications.

8

Expansion with BlackBerry Messenger

By 2003, the team has developed BlackBerry Messenger, a groundbreaking service allowing users to communicate effortlessly. This innovation cements BlackBerry’s popularity and attracts a larger customer base.

2003
9

Hostile Takeover Attempts

Tensions rise within RIM as Carl Yankowski of Palm initiates a hostile takeover attempt. Balsillie attempts to raise the company's share price while dealing with internal strife and the threat from competitors.

10

Hiring New Talent

In a bid to tackle rising data usage issues, Balsillie hires a team of engineers, including Paul Stanos from Google, and promotes Michael Ironside to COO. This decision, however, causes friction with Fregin, who is unhappy with the stricter management.

11

iPhone Unveiling

The launch of the iPhone in 2007 dramatically changes the landscape of mobile communication. Balsillie responds by focusing on new BlackBerry models, but internal discord begins to surface as pressures mount.

2007
12

Loss of Key Personnel

In the wake of the company's struggles, Fregin leaves RIM after an argument with Lazaridis, resulting in significant turmoil. Balsillie now faces the daunting task of keeping the company afloat with a fragmented leadership.

13

SEC Investigation

The SEC opens an investigation into RIM over its hiring practices related to stock options. This scrutiny further complicates the situation, already made precarious by miscalculations in data usage forecasts.

14

Defective Storm Devices

RIM's reputation takes a hit when the highly anticipated Storm devices arrive from China with major defects. This setback further challenges the company as they struggle to maintain market relevance.

15

Decline of BlackBerry

Despite once holding a dominant 45% market share, BlackBerry's decline leaves it with none today. The film concludes with reflections on the rise and fall of innovation and ambition in the tech industry.

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 22:49

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Rise and fall business dramas like BlackBerry

Stories of ambitious innovators who fly too close to the sun.If you liked the ambitious climb and dramatic downfall in BlackBerry, you'll find similar movies here. These films explore the stories of real and fictional corporate giants, focusing on the tension, innovation, and hubris that lead to a bittersweet end.

ambitiouscompetitivefrustratingchaoticdrivenanxioushubris

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear or accelerated timeline, chronicling the meteoric ascent of a company or idea, often driven by a visionary or ruthless leader. The peak of success is swiftly followed by external pressures, internal conflict, and critical missteps that lead to a dramatic and poignant downfall.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a high-stakes, competitive atmosphere and a fast-paced narrative that covers years of business history. They are united by a tense, driven mood and a bittersweet conclusion that reflects on the costs of ambition.

Chaotic tech and business movies like BlackBerry

Fast-paced stories of disruptive innovation under immense pressure.Find movies with a similar vibe to BlackBerry's frantic innovation race. These films capture the anxious, driven energy of creating something new against the clock, featuring competitive rivalries and the blend of drama and humor found in high-stakes environments.

anxiousdrivenchaoticcompetitivefrustratinginnovativehigh-stakes

Narrative Summary

These narratives are propelled by a race against time and competitors. They often start with a scrappy, underdog team facing seemingly impossible odds. The plot is driven by pivotal business decisions, technological hurdles, and intense rivalries, creating a sense of constant, exhilarating chaos.

Why These Movies?

They are connected by a specific mood: an anxious, driven, and chaotic energy stemming from a high-stakes competitive environment. The pacing is fast, the tone is tense, and there's a strong thematic focus on ambition and the double-edged sword of innovation.

Unlock the Full Story of BlackBerry

Don't stop at just watching — explore BlackBerry in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what BlackBerry is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

BlackBerry Summary

Read a complete plot summary of BlackBerry, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

BlackBerry Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in BlackBerry

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape BlackBerry. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in BlackBerry

BlackBerry Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of BlackBerry? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

BlackBerry Ending Explained

BlackBerry Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of BlackBerry that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

BlackBerry Spoiler-Free Summary

More About BlackBerry

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about BlackBerry: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About BlackBerry

Similar Movies to BlackBerry

Discover movies like BlackBerry that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.