Dating app's origin unveiled: a look into its creation history.
In the world of dating apps, Whitney Wolfe Herd made a significant impact when she left Tinder, sued the company, and eventually founded Bumble - a platform where only women can make the first move. This inspiring story forms the basis of the Hollywood film "Swiped," directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg and available for streaming on Disney+ from September 19.
The film, however, has raised some controversies as it undermines the credibility of Wolfe Herd's genuine story. British actress Lily James, who plays the role of Wolfe Herd in the film, prepared for her role by testing a friend's dating app. James found the story inspiring, stating that it gave a sense of strengthening and supporting women around them.
The film's production did not involve Wolfe Herd due to a confidentiality agreement following an out-of-court settlement with Tinder. Despite this, Goldenberg, known for her work on films like "Valley Girl" and "Minx," delivers a compelling narrative that portrays Wolfe Herd's journey through the male-dominated tech industry.
In "Swiped," we see Wolfe Herd sneak into a Los Angeles party for startup entrepreneurs under a false name to network. She enters a relationship with her colleague Justin and is later promoted to become the only woman co-founder of Tinder. However, the film's portrayal of Wolfe Herd's post-Tinder success story feels like a Hollywood cliche, with its entertaining yet overly dramatic elements.
The film also highlights the open sexism Wolfe Herd experienced in the tech industry, including bullying and abuse of power, both in the app and at her workplace. This aspect of the story is crucial in shedding light on the challenges women face in the industry.
Interestingly, "Swiped" boasts a strong female team in various departments and as producers. It is a rare instance of a film about a woman tech entrepreneur, making it a significant contribution to the representation of women in the industry.
Approximately 7.5 million people in Germany use dating apps like Tinder or Bumble, making this story particularly relevant to a global audience. With its engaging narrative and important message, "Swiped" is a film that is sure to spark conversations and inspire change.
