Wardriver Review: A Venal Neo-Noir of Triple Crosses and Tech Scams
Dane DeHaan and Mamoudou Athie lead the cast in Wardriver, a brisk neo-noir crime thriller directed by Rebecca Thomas. The film paints a convincingly hoodlum world where every table is turned, exploring themes of opportunism and betrayal in a digital age.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Three Heists
DeHaan plays Cole, a petty scammer who skims security credentials from unsecured wifi networks to empty bank accounts. His hot streak ends when Oscar, a more intimidating hoodlum portrayed by Athie, discovers his activities and forces him into a larger scheme. They target Sarah, played by Sasha Calle, who boasts of $800,000 in her account. However, after the theft, Cole experiences scammer's remorse when a criminally affiliated lawyer, Mark, threatens Sarah's life if the money isn't returned.
Thomas, known for her TV work, structures the narrative around three key heists: the initial score, Cole's attempt to recover the funds, and a final twist where Cole and Sarah turn the tables on Mark. While the plot is clinical and streamlined, it lacks deep character development, leaving some intrigue around the solitary hacker archetype unexplored.
Performances and Direction
DeHaan brings a nocturnal charm to Cole, constantly kojaking a lollipop with scuzzy self-assurance. Athie shines as Oscar, a falsely affable yet violent opportunist, adding depth to the film's venal demi-monde. The supporting cast, including Jeffrey Donovan as Mark, delivers solid performances that enhance the thriller's tension.
Thomas infuses the film with fast-driving attack and romanticised ferment, evoking comparisons to Michael Mann's style. Despite its psychological limitations, Wardriver succeeds in creating a convincingly corrupt atmosphere, making it an engaging watch for fans of neo-noir.
Release and Reception
Wardriver is set for release on digital platforms from 27 April. It offers a glimpse into a world of tech scams and moral ambiguity, though it may not fully satisfy those seeking deeper character arcs or noir archetypes akin to films like Drive.
