Every person has their own idea of what makes a perfect place for a first date. In today’s digital age, that choice often comes through dating apps, which promise connection but just as often deliver scams, manipulation, or disappointment. But what do we really know about the true stories behind these apps and the people who created them?
One of the most well-known is Tinder — an app that millions use, sometimes to their benefit, but often to their regret. Before Tinder reached global recognition, a team of young innovators built it, among them Whitney Wolfe Herd. Swiped tells her story: her role as a co-founder, her eventual lawsuit against Tinder, and her decision to leave the company. From there, she went on to create Bumble, a groundbreaking platform that flipped the rules of dating by giving women the power to take the lead.
This film is not a tribute to dating apps themselves but rather an unflinching look at the toxic work environment that surrounded their creation. Swiped shines a light on the harassment, abuse, and hostility that Whitney endured, and on the culture that normalized these behaviors. The film makes clear how easily women’s concerns were dismissed — both within the company and on the app itself.
As the story develops, we see Tinder reaching its first million users while Whitney faces betrayal on a personal level. After ending her relationship with co-founder Justin, he retaliated by spreading false stories about her in the workplace, creating an unbearable environment. His actions echoed the very same toxic patterns users reported on Tinder, where women were often blamed while men’s behavior was excused. Whitney’s decision to take legal action for harassment became a defining moment, exposing the double standards that many women know all too well.
Lily James is exceptional in the role of Whitney Wolfe Herd, portraying both her strength and vulnerability with precision. Her performance captures Whitney’s resilience, drive, and unwillingness to give up. Director Rachel Lee Goldenberg maintains a steady, captivating rhythm throughout, keeping the film consistently engaging. The supporting cast delivers strong performances, and Chanda Dancy’s score adds depth and atmosphere to an already powerful story.
Featuring Lily James (Cinderella, Relay) and Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey), and directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg (Unpregnant), Swiped is a powerful and timely account of a woman who changed the rules of the tech industry. Whitney Wolfe Herd broke into a male-dominated space, endured harassment and setbacks, and emerged stronger — building Bumble and becoming the youngest female billionaire in the world.
Goldenberg’s direction brings Whitney’s journey to life with both sensitivity and strength, while James commands the screen with a performance that is electric and unforgettable.
More than a story of one woman’s resilience, Swiped is a reminder that accountability must exist in technology. Companies that shape people’s lives should not be allowed to operate without strong privacy protections and zero tolerance for harassment. Dating apps may create opportunities for love, but as this film makes clear, they must also create safety.