The Hummingbird Project Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two cousins dig a ridiculously straight, incredibly long ditch across America to make millions by beating the stock market by one measly millisecond, only to realize their old boss might just use the air.

🍿 The Hummingbird Project: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Ambitious Plan: A Millisecond Advantage

Cousins Vincent Zaleski (Jesse Eisenberg), a cunning hustler, and Anton Zaleski (Alexander Skarsgård), a brilliant but introverted programmer, work in the high-stakes world of High-Frequency Trading. They devise an audacious plan: to build a perfectly straight fiber-optic cable line from Kansas to New Jersey. Their goal is to shave a single millisecond off the data transmission time, reducing it from 17 to 16 milliseconds, a tiny fraction that could yield millions in profits.

Breaking Away and Facing Competition

After securing initial financing from investor Bryan Taylor, Vincent and Anton quietly resign from their jobs at Torres & Thatcher, a powerful firm led by their formidable former boss, Eva Torres (Salma Hayek). Eva, a shrewd and manipulative trader, quickly becomes aware of their ambition and warns Anton against using proprietary information. She soon dedicates her considerable resources to sabotage their project and beat them at their own game, ensuring a fierce rivalry.

Obstacles and Personal Struggles

The undertaking proves immensely challenging, requiring them to acquire land rights across states, navigate diverse communities including the Amish, and drill through difficult terrain like the Appalachian Mountains. Vincent battles against crews being bought off by competitors and constant logistical nightmares. Adding to the pressure, Vincent receives a life-altering diagnosis of stomach cancer, which he keeps secret, risking his health to keep the project on schedule.

The Race Intensifies: New Threats Emerge

As the project progresses, Anton strains under the immense pressure to optimize the code for the crucial 16-millisecond target, often isolating himself from his family. Meanwhile, Eva Torres’s surveillance uncovers their full plan, allowing her to develop a counter-strategy involving microwave towers, which could render their entire fiber-optic endeavor obsolete. The cousins find themselves in a desperate race against time, facing not just technical and logistical hurdles, but a relentless adversary.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Vincent Zaleski (Jesse Eisenberg): The ambitious and relentless high-frequency trader who orchestrates the monumental fiber-optic cable project.
• Anton Zaleski (Alexander Skarsgård): Vincent’s reclusive and brilliant cousin, who is the programming genius essential to their high-frequency trading venture.
• Eva Torres (Salma Hayek): The powerful, manipulative, and cutthroat former boss of Vincent and Anton who becomes their formidable competitor.
• Mark Vega (Michael Mando): The pragmatic project manager and drilling expert hired to oversee the physical construction of the fiber-optic line.
• Bryan Taylor (Frank Schorpion): The venture capitalist who provides the substantial financial backing for the cousins’ daring project.
• Amish Elder (Johan Heldenbergh): A wise community leader whose traditional values stand in stark contrast to the modern technological ambitions of the protagonists.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Vincent Zaleski: “Whatever you do, always make sure you own your freedom.” – Vincent quotes his father’s words, highlighting his deep-seated motivation for independence and control in his high-stakes venture.
• Anton Zaleski: “That’s one millisecond. The time it takes for a hummingbird to flap its wing. One tiny little flap of a hummingbird’s wing.” – Anton vividly explains the seemingly insignificant yet incredibly valuable time difference they are striving to achieve in high-frequency trading.
• Vincent Zaleski: “We’re building a cable, a straight line from Kansas to New Jersey.” – Vincent succinctly outlines the audacious core of their project, emphasizing the directness and ambition of their fiber optic line.
• Anton Zaleski: “What if the world is flat, Vincent? What if it’s flat and you’re just drilling in a circle?” – Anton, the technical genius, expresses his anxieties and philosophical doubts about the ultimate futility or limitations of their grand, linear undertaking.
• Eva Torres: “Money makes people crazy.” – Eva, the ruthless former boss, comments on the intense, almost irrational drive she observes in the world of high-stakes finance.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12.3 million (CAD)
• Domestic Gross: $371,784
• Worldwide Gross: $878,199

💥 The Hummingbird Project Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘The Hummingbird Project’ expecting a complex financial thriller, and while it definitely has that high-stakes feel, I was genuinely surprised by the human story at its core. I loved seeing Jesse Eisenberg and Alexander Skarsgård play off each other; their dynamic as cousins, one the hustler and one the tech genius, was just fantastic. Skarsgård especially blew me away with his transformation into Anton – his quiet intensity and even that quirky dance scene were highlights for me. The film really makes you think about what we chase in life and the obsession with speed in our modern world. There were moments when I felt the weight of their impossible task, especially with Vincent’s personal struggles. It’s not your typical Hollywood flick, which I appreciate. The ending left me with a sense of contemplation about what truly matters beyond the pursuit of wealth. It’s a unique ride that sticks with you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jesse Eisenberg and Alexander Skarsgård, especially those looking for them in unconventional roles.”
  • “Viewers interested in the world of high-frequency trading and financial thrillers.”
  • “Audiences who enjoy character-driven dramas about ambition, obsession, and the pursuit of extreme goals.”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a focus on technology, innovation, and their societal impacts.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language (including some F-words).”
  • “Depiction of serious illness (stomach cancer subplot).”
  • “Themes of intense pressure, ethical dilemmas in business, and the pursuit of wealth at personal cost.”

Professional Reviews

• Cinema Spectrum: “The Hummingbird Project plunges viewers into the obsessive world of high-frequency trading with a peculiar charm. While the plot—digging a straight fiber-optic cable across the US for a millisecond advantage—might sound mundane, Alexander Skarsgård delivers a truly transformative performance as the socially awkward genius, Anton. Jesse Eisenberg is his usual fast-talking self, but it’s Skarsgård who truly shines, bringing unexpected humor and depth. Salma Hayek adds a potent antagonist, making this a quirky and surprisingly engaging watch, despite its technical deep-dives.
• Film Focus Monthly: “Kim Nguyen’s ‘The Hummingbird Project’ is an ambitious, offbeat drama that dives into the cutthroat world of milliseconds and millions. It’s less a financial thriller and more a character study of two flawed men driven by an almost absurd goal. While its pacing can be erratic and the deep dives into fiber optics might not captivate everyone, the film benefits from compelling performances, particularly Alexander Skarsgård’s unexpectedly nuanced portrayal. It’s a film that asks unique questions about progress and human drive, even if it occasionally loses its way.

Audience Reactions

Alexander Skarsgård’s portrayal of Anton Zaleski was a shocking and delightful departure from his usual roles.: Many viewers were particularly impressed by Alexander Skarsgård’s performance, highlighting his ability to bring unexpected humor, depth, and a unique physicality to the character of Anton.

The unique premise of battling for milliseconds in the stock market felt incredibly original and thought-provoking.: Audiences generally praised the film for its distinctive plot and its insightful, albeit sometimes dry, exploration of the ruthless, high-tech world of high-frequency trading and the personal costs of relentless ambition.

Overall Consensus: The Hummingbird Project is a divisive but largely appreciated drama, praised for its strong performances, particularly Alexander Skarsgård’s transformative role, and its unique, thought-provoking exploration of ambition in the digital age, despite some finding its technical details and pacing occasionally dry.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jesse Eisenberg, known for his meticulous preparation, memorized the entire script before filming began, a fact confirmed by both him and director Kim Nguyen.”
• “Alexander Skarsgård underwent a significant physical transformation for his role as Anton, sporting a paunch and receding hairline, a stark departure from his usual roles, earning praise for his portrayal of a socially awkward computer genius.”
• “Although a fictional story, director Kim Nguyen stated that the film accurately reflects the real-world, high-stakes competition and technological advancements in high-frequency trading, a subject also explored in Michael Lewis’s non-fiction book ‘Flash Boys’.”
• “The film’s title, ‘The Hummingbird Project’, refers to the ambitious goal of the protagonists: to reduce data transfer time by one millisecond, which is famously described in the movie as the approximate duration of a single hummingbird’s wing flap.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Hummingbird Project?

The Hummingbird Project (2019) was initially released in theaters. For current viewing, it is typically available for digital rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. Check your preferred digital storefront for the most up-to-date availability and pricing to stream or own the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Hummingbird Project, you might like these similar films:

• The Social Network (2010): Stars Jesse Eisenberg in a similar role of a driven, socially awkward tech visionary, focusing on the origins of a high-tech empire and the legal battles involved.
• The Big Short (2015): Explores complex financial markets and the high-stakes world of trading with a similar ensemble cast and sharp dialogue, providing insights into a specific financial mechanism.
• Margin Call (2011): A tense drama set over 24 hours in an investment bank during the 2008 financial crisis, it similarly delves into the high-pressure, ethically ambiguous world of finance and technology.
• Dumb Money (2023): A more recent film that explores how individual investors challenged Wall Street, highlighting contemporary financial market dynamics and the clash between established powers and disruptive forces, also featuring Jesse Eisenberg.
• Pi (1998): An intense psychological thriller about a mathematician obsessed with finding patterns in the stock market, sharing the theme of intellectual obsession and the potentially dark consequences of pushing boundaries in data.

🛒 The Hummingbird Project Related Products

• The Hummingbird Project [Blu-ray]: Experience the high-stakes world of high-frequency trading with this critically acclaimed drama. The Blu-ray offers superior picture and sound quality, bringing the tension and intricate details of the Zaleski cousins’ ambitious project to life in your home.
• Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt by Michael Lewis: This non-fiction bestseller explores the real-world high-frequency trading landscape that inspired elements of ‘The Hummingbird Project’. Michael Lewis, known for ‘The Big Short’, uncovers the hidden battles and technological races on Wall Street.
• The Hummingbird Project Official Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official movie poster, featuring the iconic imagery that encapsulates the film’s themes of speed, ambition, and the journey across America. Available in various sizes.
• Detailed Fiber Optic Cable Cross-Section Display: An intricate, transparent display model showcasing the internal structure of a modern fiber optic cable. This educational and decorative piece highlights the complex technology at the heart of the Zaleski cousins’ ambitious project.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Hummingbird Project features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Russian Song” – performed by Oksana Karpovych (vocals), Matilda Kamuena (music)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

They had to change negotiators for this one #movie #shorts #thehummingbirdproject

Ever wonder what makes a movie scene go viral? This intense clip from ‘The Hummingbird Project’ shows a moment that had over 10 million people hooked – you’ll see why it’s a must-watch and a real highlight!

Alexander Skarsgård Talks Going Bald for ‘The Hummingbird Project’ – TIFF 2018

Thinking about Alexander Skarsgård’s incredible transformation for this role? Get the inside scoop directly from him on what it was like to go bald and truly embody his character. His dedication is seriously impressive and super interesting to hear about!

This man succeeded in creating the fastest internet network in the world

Need a quick refresh on the thrilling plot of ‘The Hummingbird Project’ or want to understand the tech behind it? This recap breaks down the entire story, and I found it super helpful for grasping the high-stakes world they’re building.

A tunnel project that will make millions #movie #shorts #thehummingbirdproject

Curious about the insane ambition behind the ‘Hummingbird Project’ itself? This viral clip gives you a peek into the massive tunnel project that’s at the heart of the movie’s high-frequency trading drama – it’s fascinating to see the sheer scale of it!

✨ Rate