Swiped is a biographical drama inspired by the true story of Whitney Wolfe Herd, the co-founder of Tinder who left a toxic and harassment-filled environment to eventually launch Bumble, an app that put women in control by allowing them to make the first move. Her vision ultimately turned her into the youngest self-made female billionaire.
The film makes clear from the start—and again at the end—that it dramatizes events and takes creative liberties, largely because Wolfe Herd is still under an NDA and could not participate in its making. That framing gives Swiped an interesting tension: it feels factual in places, but never quite definitive, more an interpretation than a testimony.
At the center of it all is Lily James, who delivers a strong performance as Whitney. James has become a consistently reliable actress over the last decade, and here she grounds the film with emotion and believability. Her American accent is solid throughout, and she carries the story with conviction. She’s also the one element audiences are most likely to connect with, as the script doesn’t offer much depth to the supporting characters, who often appear just long enough to move the story along before fading away.
Stylistically, Swiped has echoes of other tech-startup dramas like The Social Network. It captures both the ambition and toxicity of that world, weaving in themes of misogyny, harassment, and empowerment. The idea of an app designed to curb male toxicity and allow women to set the tone for interactions is presented clearly and effectively, and James’ portrayal ensures you’re rooting for her character throughout.
Where the film falters is in its structure. It frequently jumps months or even years ahead, rushing through milestones without letting relationships or character arcs breathe. By the time you finish the film, you understand the broad strokes of Whitney’s story, but you may not feel as though you went on the journey with her. The result is a biopic that feels more like a set of dramatized cliff notes than a fully fleshed-out narrative.
Technically, the film is solid. The cinematography and sound design are clean, the editing is smooth, and while the score doesn’t stand out, the soundtrack choices add some energy. But none of these elements elevate the material to something memorable.
Ultimately, Swiped is a serviceable and engaging drama, but not one likely to make much noise come awards season. It tells an important story, shines a light on workplace harassment and misogyny, and gives Lily James a strong showcase. But it also moves too quickly and superficially through its events to land with the weight it could have. For viewers curious about the story behind Tinder and Bumble, or fans of James, it’s worth a watch on Hulu or Disney+. For others, it may come across as an informative but emotionally distant experience.
Rating: 6.5/10.