Cold Wallet

Cold Wallet is a movie about crypto currency so you could say it's very far from my bed as I have absolutely no interest at all in that kind of business. In my eyes it's something doomed to fail at one point, only handy for gangsters like Trump and co. But even though it's not my thing I watched it and kinda enjoyed the story. It wasn't perfect though, with a rather disappointing ending in my opinion, and too amateur in the kidnapping of the crypto mogul. Why would you let him speak at all and try to influence you? Just cut his fingers off one by one and the problem will be solved by the second finger, and that's a guarantee. But then you would just have a very short movie I guess. That said, it's worth a watch.

What makes Cold Wallet so compelling is how real it feels. It's not just a story about cryptocurrency-it's about the people who get caught up in it, the hope it promises, and the fallout when that hope turns to desperation. The film doesn't get lost in technical jargon or try to explain how blockchain works. Instead, it focuses on something much more human: what happens when everything you've gambled on disappears overnight.

At the heart of the film is Billy (Raúl Castillo), a father trying to create a better life for himself and his daughter. Like so many others, he sees crypto as his golden ticket-a way out of struggle and into stability. But when the currency he invested in crashes, he finds himself with nothing. Instead of accepting his loss, he and his friends Dom (Tony Cavalero) and Eva (Melonie Diaz) decide to take matters into their own hands, leading them on a tense, darkly comedic journey that spirals further out of control with every decision they make.

One of the things I loved about Cold Wallet is how it balances tension and humor. The stakes are high, and you feel Billy's desperation in every scene, but there are also these perfectly timed moments of dark comedy that make it feel all the more real. Because let's be honest-life is messy. Even in the middle of a crisis, there are awkward interactions, impulsive decisions, and moments so absurd you almost have to laugh. The film captures that perfectly.

Raúl Castillo is incredible as Billy. He brings so much depth to the character, making you root for him even as he starts making decisions that you know are going to end badly. He's not a hero or a villain-just a guy trying to fix a situation that feels impossible. Tony Cavalero and Melonie Diaz are just as strong, bringing both humor and heart to their roles. And then there's Josh Brener as Charles Hegel, the crypto mogul at the center of it all. He plays the kind of tech-world genius we've all seen before-brilliant, arrogant, and just slippery enough that you're never sure if he's telling the truth.

Visually, Cold Wallet does a great job of pulling you into its world. It's not flashy or overly stylized, but the cinematography keeps things tight and intimate, making you feel like you're right there with Billy as he falls deeper into his own mess. The tension builds slowly, not through action-packed scenes, but through conversations, choices, and the quiet realization that things are about to go very, very wrong.

What really stuck with me, though, is how Cold Wallet taps into something bigger than just cryptocurrency. It's about the chase for financial freedom, the way people get drawn into systems they don't fully understand, and how easy it is to believe that one good decision can change everything. We've all seen stories of people striking it rich overnight, but this film reminds us of the ones who don't-the ones left picking up the pieces when the system crashes.

In the end, Cold Wallet isn't just a thriller-it's a character study, a cautionary tale, and a darkly funny ride all rolled into one. It's a film that keeps you on edge, makes you think, and stays with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're into crypto or not, it's a must-watch.

No pun intended - I am not in the whole crypto business ... but the movie is not tough to follow or understand. Including the title ... which is referencing something that ... well I don't want to bore you, but it has to do with money ... a lot of it in this case ... and an excuse of a human being who is really mean and evil ... aren't they all you may ask ... and you wouldn't be too wrong when it comes to money and power.

But our three main characters are trying to do something good ... or are they? Because how well do we really get to know them? Are there other goals they may try to achieve? We will find out of course ... a bit of suspension of disbelief is necessary ... or a lot.

This will be about rich vs poor and how you feel about it ... and about vigilante justice ... and of course karma ... one of the characters is so funny ... but he doesn't think so ... he has his believes and I like him for it ... even if he sometimes acts against some whatever it is he preaches ... still the mixture and the story move on wonderfully ... this works ... if you believe in it ... the fakeness that is ... fake money ... fake life ...

I like movies and shows that make me think about them in the days and weeks following. This one did that. Some allegorical themes on capitalism coming from the rich tech guy. I really didn't like him... a testament to a job well done. I especially liked the music... silent night was a nice touch. There were well placed funny moments of levity to keep my heart rate down. Was giving me some serious wtf's... in a good way! I'm going to watch again to catch any little foreshadows or fun correlations that might come from knowing the ending. Checked all of the boxes of a "crypto-heist thriller" I guess Steven Soderbergh knows good movies. Ha!

Cold Wallet is loosely based on the QuadrigaCX Scandal, after the supposed death of CEO Gerald Cotten in India.

Like in the film, many suspect that Cotten had purchased a death certificate from Indian authorities; faked his death; and ran away with the proceeds of the exchange, where all of Quadriga user's crypto assets were said to be locked in a cold wallet that he held the only key to.

Obviously, here, they switched India with Kenya...and took artistic liberties with the aftermath of the whole ordeal.

With, at least some of, the storyline harkening back to SBF's FTX ponzi scheme that permanently tarnished the reputation of the crypto realm in the eyes of the average person.

The plot, here, revolves around a rag-tag team of reddit vigilantes, who have set out to expose the truth about the culprit...and, ultimately, gain access to the millions of dollars he has locked away in his cold wallet (an offline wallet designed to hold crypto assets).

While the culprit tries to play the vigilantes against one another, in a thrilling battle of wits.

The film does a pretty decent job of keeping itself open to laypeople who aren't privy to the jargon and intricacies of the crypto space.

Though, having knowledge of the realm will surely lead you to appreciate the story a little more.

It's certainly not a great film, by any means.

But it's entertaining enough of a crime-thriller to sit through and enjoy.

Though, one might argue it's a case of the truth being more intriguing than fiction.

So you might be encouraged to check out one of the documentaries on the subject as well.

Because the true story behind this film is actually pretty wild.

4 out of 10.