Was The Hummingbird Project Based On A True Story
The Hummingbird Project is a 2018 film that tells the story of two cousins who try to build a fiber-optic cable from Kansas to New Jersey to gain a millisecond edge on trading stocks. The movie is directed by Kim Nguyen and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Alexander Skarsgård, and Salma Hayek. The film was praised for its performances and direction, but many viewers wonder if the movie is based on a true story.
The Plot of The Hummingbird Project
The plot of The Hummingbird Project revolves around two cousins, Vincent Zaleski (Jesse Eisenberg) and Anton Zaleski (Alexander Skarsgård), who work in the high-frequency trading business. Vincent and Anton are known for their exceptional skills in the field and their willingness to take risks.
One day, Vincent and Anton come up with an idea to build a fiber-optic cable from Kansas to New Jersey. The cable would be a straight line and would give them a millisecond edge on trading stocks. The two cousins believe that this edge would make them billions of dollars.
However, their plan is not without its challenges. Vincent and Anton must raise millions of dollars to fund their project and must face competition from other traders who want to build a similar cable. Their project also faces legal challenges and technical difficulties.
Is The Hummingbird Project Based on a True Story?
The Hummingbird Project is not based on a true story, but it is inspired by real events. The film's director, Kim Nguyen, was inspired by the story of Spread Networks, a company that built a fiber-optic cable from Chicago to New York to gain a millisecond edge on trading stocks.
Spread Networks was founded in 2009 by Dan Spivey and was backed by a group of investors, including hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen. The company spent millions of dollars to build a straight-line fiber-optic cable that connected Chicago and New York. The cable reduced the travel time of data between the two cities by three milliseconds.
However, Spread Networks faced criticism for its high fees and its impact on the environment. The company's cable had to be laid through national parks and forests, which led to concerns about the impact on wildlife and the environment.
Despite the challenges, Spread Networks was successful in its business and was eventually sold to another company for $127 million.
The Accuracy of The Hummingbird Project
While The Hummingbird Project is not based on a true story, it accurately portrays the world of high-frequency trading and the challenges faced by traders who want to gain an edge on the market. The film also accurately portrays the technical challenges of building a fiber-optic cable and the legal challenges faced by companies that want to lay cable through national parks and forests.
However, the film takes some liberties with its characters and plot. For example, the character of Eva Torres (Salma Hayek) is a fictional character who represents the competition faced by Vincent and Anton. The film also exaggerates the amount of money needed to build a fiber-optic cable and the risks involved.
The Reception of The Hummingbird Project
The Hummingbird Project was well received by critics and audiences. The film was praised for its performances, direction, and screenplay. The film currently has a 66% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Many viewers praised the film for its portrayal of the world of high-frequency trading and its exploration of the human cost of chasing wealth and success. The film was also praised for its suspenseful plot and its ability to keep viewers engaged.
The Bottom Line
The Hummingbird Project is a fictional film inspired by real events. While the film takes some liberties with its characters and plot, it accurately portrays the challenges faced by traders who want to gain an edge on the market and the technical and legal challenges of building a fiber-optic cable. The film was well received by critics and audiences and is recommended for anyone interested in the world of high-frequency trading.