Swiped Review
The Premise
Swiped tells the story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, one of the original minds behind Tinder and the force behind Bumble. Starring Lily James in the lead, the film charts Wolfe Herd’s journey through Silicon Valley sexism, startup betrayals, and the creation of a revolutionary women-first dating app. It’s a classic rise-from-the-ashes tale—polished, passionate, but not without its flaws.
What Works
Lily James commands the screen as the determined and driven founder. She brings warmth and resilience to a character constantly underestimated by the men around her.
The themes feel relevant and resonant—from digital empowerment to navigating toxic work environments, Swiped takes on timely issues with just the right amount of drama.
It’s slick, stylish, and moves at a breezy pace. The tech world is shown in all its high-stakes, high-gloss glory—boardroom tensions, app-launch sprints, media blitzes, and all.
What Doesn’t Click
It scratches the surface but rarely digs deep. Wolfe Herd’s professional and emotional evolution feels condensed for dramatic effect, and more nuanced storytelling could have made the film hit harder.
Some of the narrative beats feel predictable—office betrayals, failed pitches, inspirational montages. It’s compelling, but not always surprising.
The tone shifts feel jarring at times—one moment raw and real, the next overly cinematic. It makes the story feel like it’s balancing between biopic and feel-good fiction.
Final Verdict
Swiped isn’t a revolutionary film—but it is an inspiring one. It celebrates resilience, reinvention, and a woman who turned personal setbacks into a global platform for change. While it could have taken a bolder swing at tech culture and deeper character exploration, it’s still a watchable, motivating ride powered by a solid lead performance.
Rating: ★★★ / 5
