🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Akan Satayev
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 35min
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10 (13K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A Ukrainian immigrant kid learns to Google his way into international cybercrime while simultaneously discovering true love and the importance of not trusting anyone with a facial disfigurement.
🍿 Hacker: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Alex’s Introduction to Hacking
Alex Danyliuk, a young Ukrainian immigrant in Canada, faces financial hardship when his family struggles. Driven by necessity, he delves into the world of online hacking, initially learning basic coding and discovering ways to exploit vulnerabilities for monetary gain. This marks his first steps into a life of cybercrime.

Partnership with Sye and Kira
Alex partners with Sye, a street-smart hustler who introduces him to the black market scene, and Kira, a skilled hacker with valuable connections. Together, they escalate their operations, engaging in identity theft and exploiting financial systems for larger profits. The trio’s combined skills lead to increased success and heightened risks.

Involvement with ‘Z’ and Anonymous
As their activities grow, Alex, Sye, and Kira attract the attention of ‘Z,’ a mysterious figure leading a faction claiming affiliation with Anonymous. This connection propels them into more significant cyberattacks and market manipulation, but also places them on the radar of law enforcement agencies like the FBI. The stakes are raised as they navigate the dangerous world of hacktivism and its consequences.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Alex Danyliuk (Callan McAuliffe): A young Ukrainian immigrant who turns to hacking and identity theft to help his family.
- Kira (Lorraine Nicholson): A skilled female hacker who becomes involved with Alex and Sye, but harbors a secret agenda.
- Sye (Daniel Eric Gold): A street-wise hustler who introduces Alex to the world of black market trading and illicit activities.
- Zed (Clifton Collins Jr.): A mysterious and elusive figure who heads an organization known as Anonymous and is a target of the FBI.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Stock Exchange Research: “You know, ever since the banks started to suffer these cyber-attacks, the market has been shaky. Fortunately, the federal reserve chairman started to pull more money into the economy and things started to stabilize, better housing, less taxes, more money for you, more money for me, more money for all of us.” – This quote highlights the real-world impact and market volatility that can result from cyber-attacks, mirroring Alex’s actions.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $11,239
- Worldwide Gross: $11,239
💥 Hacker Reviews
Personal Review
Honestly, I went into this movie expecting something more along the lines of ‘Mr. Robot,’ but I got something… different. The ‘hacking’ felt more like high-tech scamming, which wasn’t what I was hoping for. There were parts that kept me engaged, but the ending felt pretty rushed and didn’t leave me with much of an emotional punch. I wouldn’t say it’s a *bad* movie, but it’s definitely not a great one. If you’re looking for a serious hacking movie, this ain’t it.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Viewers interested in crime dramas with a focus on technology”
- “Those intrigued by stories about cybercrime and its consequences”
- “Fans of Callan McAuliffe or Lorraine Nicholson”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Hacker relies on tired tropes and lacks the technical sophistication to be convincing, ultimately failing to capture the thrill of the digital underground. The performances are adequate, but the script offers little depth. Overall, a forgettable experience.
- Variety: “While visually engaging and fast-paced, Hacker suffers from a predictable plot and a lack of authenticity in its portrayal of cybercrime. The characters are thinly drawn, and the ending feels rushed. It’s a decent popcorn flick, but not much more.
Audience Reactions
Some viewers enjoyed the movie as a simple, fast-paced crime thriller.: Many viewers thought the portrayal of hacking was unrealistic and more akin to basic scams.
The ending was considered weak and unsatisfying.: Fans largely agree that the plot had potential but was poorly executed, resulting in a forgettable experience.
Overall Consensus: Hacker is a visually appealing but ultimately shallow crime thriller that fails to deliver on its promise of exploring the complex world of cybercrime.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The director and producer started discussing the story in June 2013. The film was fully financed by August, and completed a year later.”
- “Filming locations included Toronto, New York, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kazakhstan, reflecting the international scope of cybercrime.”
🖥️ How to Watch Hacker?
As of my last update, “Hacker” is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Availability may vary depending on your region, so please check your local listings. Check JustWatch for most up-to-date streaming availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Hacker, you might like these similar films:
- Mr. Robot (2015-2019): Explores similar themes of hacking, cybercrime, and societal disruption with a more realistic and in-depth portrayal of the hacking process.
- Sneakers (1992): Features a group of security specialists who get caught up in a high-stakes game involving a powerful decryption device, with a focus on information security and ethical hacking.
- Who Am I (2014): A German thriller that also involves a hacker group seeking to make a name for themselves through cyber attacks and social activism, albeit with different motivations and a darker tone.
🛒 Hacker Related Products
- Mr. Robot: Season 1-4: Explore complex hacking with well-developed characters. Experience the gritty world of ethical hacking with plot twists and social commentary. Each season offers in-depth storytelling.
- OWASP Hacking Handbook: Provides a step-by-step guide to penetration testing and ethical hacking, covering various tools and techniques. Ideal for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to improve their skills.
- Hacker T-Shirt: Comfortable fit, made from high-quality materials, various designs available. Show off your interest in technology and cybersecurity with creative, hacker-themed shirts.
- Watch Dogs: Legion: Play as anyone in London, recruit and control multiple characters to form a hacking resistance. Enjoy open-world gameplay with deep hacking mechanics, diverse missions, and a compelling storyline.
🎧 Soundtrack
Hacker features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While ‘Hacker’ incorporates elements of real-world cybercrime and hacktivism, it is not a direct adaptation of a specific true story. It draws inspiration from various incidents and trends in the world of hacking and cyber fraud.
The film takes some liberties with the technical aspects of hacking for dramatic effect. While it touches on concepts like the dark web and credit card fraud, the specific methods are often simplified or exaggerated for the sake of narrative clarity.
‘Z’ is the mysterious leader of a hacking group who is a target of the FBI.
🔥 Bonus Content
#1 Ethical Hacker in The World Explains The Dark Web
Ever wonder what the Dark Web really is? This video featuring a top ethical hacker breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand. Super insightful stuff!
Cybersecurity Expert Demonstrates How Hackers Easily Gain Access To Sensitive Information
You won’t believe how easily hackers can access your personal information! Kevin Mitnick demonstrates some scary real-world techniques, a must-watch for staying safe online. 😳
Hacker Reacts To Mr Robot Hacking Scenes
Want to know if hacking scenes in movies are actually realistic? Check out this video where a real hacker breaks down the hacks in Mr. Robot, it’s surprisingly interesting!
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