Swiped: The Story of Bumble’s Rise Amid Tinder’s Scandal

LOS ANGELES, CA — “Swiped,” a new biopic directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, follows Whitney Wolfe Herd, the co-founder of Tinder and creator of Bumble. The film premiered on Hulu on September 19, 2025.

The narrative starts in 2012 when Wolfe, portrayed by Lily James, struggles to gain traction for her humanitarian app aimed at connecting volunteers with orphanages. While attending a startup convention, she meets Sean Rad, played by Ben Schnetzer, the CEO of a fledgling tech company called Cardify. Rad is skeptical about her altruistic plans but eventually brings her on board his team.

Wolfe soon becomes involved in developing Tinder, the dating app that would change the landscape of online dating. As she navigates the male-dominated tech industry, she finds herself facing challenges including workplace harassment and a toxic relationship with her colleague Justin Mateen, played by Jackson White.

Despite her successes with Tinder, Wolfe experiences a backlash that leads to her ousting from the company. Following her departure, she creates Bumble, a dating app designed for women to take the lead, especially after being targeted by a wave of harassment in her previous role.

The film juxtaposes Wolfe’s entrepreneurial journey against the backdrop of a changing tech culture, incorporating themes of feminism and empowerment. However, some critics argue that the portrayal leans heavily on familiar tropes from other tech industry narratives, failing to delve deeply into Wolfe’s complexities and contributions.

Goldenberg’s direction has received mixed reviews, with many noting its glossy, TV-movie aesthetic but criticizing the lack of nuance in the script co-written by Kim Caramele and Bill Parker. The film uses lightness to address serious issues regarding gender disparity in tech.

Ultimately, Wolfe’s story illustrates not only her personal triumphs but also the ongoing struggles women face in technology. While “Swiped” has its shortcomings, it aims to celebrate Wolfe’s role as a trailblazer in a historically male-oriented field.

As Wolfe continues to evolve as a figure within the tech industry, her journey remains a compelling narrative for audiences, offering both entertainment and reflection on the state of gender equity in business.