Cold Wallet (2024) - Film Review

      Cold Wallet, 2024.

      Directed by Cutter Hodierne.

      Starring Raúl Castillo, Melonie Diaz, Tony Cavalero, Josh Brener, and Zoe Winters.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A group of Reddit users loses everything after falling victim to a cryptocurrency scam, which leads them to plan the kidnapping of the "financial influencer" responsible for their misfortunes.

      In the early moments of Cutter Hodierne's Cold Wallet, the film features titles proclaiming "Steven Soderbergh presents" and "Based on a slightly true story." These statements suggest that an engaging thriller may be on the way. Unfortunately, Hodierne’s film, which involves cryptocurrency schemes and amateur criminals, never quite gains momentum.

      Raúl Castillo plays Billy in Cold Wallet. He becomes entranced by the quick riches promised on a cryptocurrency exchange called Tulip. When the site’s owner, Charles Hegel (Josh Brener), is suddenly declared dead, all accounts on Tulip collapse, leaving users with nothing.

      Billy had counted on the funds from Tulip to purchase a house and support his daughter more. With these aspirations in mind, he agrees to team up with another Redditor named Eva (Melonie Diaz). She is convinced that Hegel is alive and hiding in a secluded mansion. Eva intends to compel Hegel to return the stolen money to her, Billy, and others. Billy’s spiritually-inclined friend Dom (Tony Cavalero) joins the two on their quest, but, predictably, things take a turn for the worse.

      Written by John Hibey, Cold Wallet features a screenplay centered on the rich-versus-poor theme that takes predictable paths and includes awkward dialogue. The trio of would-be robbers consistently makes foolish choices, such as driving a bright red van to Hegel's snowy residence and proclaiming, "We have guns!" to their adversary instead of using their firearms as an element of surprise. The characters also reference Robin Hood and deliver clunky lines like, "You stole from the wrong subReddit, motherfu**er!" and "You’re one of us now."

      The acting ranges from adequate to flat. Brener attempts to inject some energy into Hegel as he manipulates his captors, but the role offers him little to work with. Castillo has one impactful moment when Billy cries on a video call. The film would have benefited from more emotional scenes like this but instead resorts to cheap thrills, even incorporating a whistling teapot for suspense in one instance.

      While Hodierne’s film appears polished, it lacks distinctive personality in its filmmaking. The interior of Hegel’s mansion features open halls and mounted animal heads, surrounded by snow and woods. These aspects contribute some character, but only intermittently enhance the tension and atmosphere.

      The third act delivers a few thrilling sequences, and the characters exhibit plausible motivations and diverse personalities throughout. However, these elements are insufficient. Cold Wallet is never unbearable to watch but ultimately presents a lackluster thriller about the perils of cryptocurrency.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★

      Daniel Rester is a freelance film critic and a member of the Hollywood Creative Alliance. He holds a bachelor's degree with a double major in Film/TV and Emerging Media and Digital Arts.