PLOT: A young hacker is lured into heisting the bank account of an unsuspecting woman.
REVIEW: The world of cyberhacking has changed so much over the years. I still remember the sillier days of hacking, looking like a weird 3D video game in the 90s. And so much nonsensical typing. I actually kind of miss that, because the reality is that most hacking is done via computer programs and coding that look about as interesting as installing iTunes. Wardriver takes the concept of modern hacking via unsecured wireless networks and gives it a fun criminal twist.
Dane DeHaan plays Cole, a wardriver who sets his sights on vulnerable corporations versus everyday people. He’s a bit of a Robin Hood type, always trying to help out those in need. Unfortunately, he rips off the wrong business and is forced to target a woman (Sasha Calle) who has nearly a million dollars in her account. Turns out, that money isn’t hers, and she’s holding it for a very dangerous man. Cole’s guilt over the hot water he’s gotten her into means he has to use his hacking skills to try to make things right.
Cole is clearly a very lonely man, desperate for any form of connection. So it’s not entirely unbelievable that he would fall so hard for Sarah and be willing to do so much for her. It all comes together in the end, but it’s hard not to see Cole as a bit of a dummy with his love blindness. DeHaan and Calle have an interesting dynamic, as Cole gives her an opportunity to escape the life that she’s fallen into. Their story isn’t typical, and I think that’s what makes it work.
I’ve liked Jeffrey Donovan since Burn Notice, so it’s fun to see him as the bad guy here. He’s not your typical villain, and seems to have fallen into a bad situation, and is enjoying the lifestyle that it has given him. He’s not outright evil, but he’s certainly not a good person either. But those are the best kinds of villains. Mamoudou Athie is intimidating as the man forcing Cole to commit these crimes. But I think William Belleau is one of the film’s biggest surprises. I’ve really been enjoying his career in recent years and this is role that feels more layered than the standard henchman.
There is something a bit contradictory in how Cole operates at a certain point. He has a rule where he goes after corporations versus people, but all of that seems to go out the window once he’s trying to help Sarah. He starts ripping off ordinary people who are using ATM’s when he’s already shown that he’s more than capable of taking large amounts of cash from businesses. Wardriver really likes to play in that gray area, where nothing is nearly as black and white as it may seem.
Wardriver really comes together in its final act, giving a satisfying conclusion with some interesting twists and turns. There are times where the pacing lags in the middle, and it can feel a little “been there, done that,” but the end makes up for it. I had never heard of a wardriver before, but I’m not surprised that this is something that’s going on in the world. If anything, this serves as a big lesson to make sure you’ve put a password on any WiFi network you have, because you never quite know the damage that someone can do by accessing it. It’s great to see DeHaan back in a lead role, as any character he plays manages to be interesting.
Wardriver is playing in select theaters on March 20th, 2026 and on digital on March 27th, 2026.
