Any story about the origin of a tech start-up is always fascinating with all the struggles and challenges it faces to become what it is. This is one such film.
The viewer gets to have a front seat as Spotify's story unfolds from the points of view of the major actors that made it the biggest thing in music streaming service: Daniel Ek, Martin Lorentzon, Petra Hansson, Andreas Ehn and Bobbi T.
Undoubtedly, it's an engaging story that introduces the viewer to key moments that pushed the start-up forward and upward. All the episodes are enlightening. And one particular episode is fun to watch. The idea of Petra Hansson in episode 3 flitting to different locations by opening different doors is brilliantly playful. Episode 4 is the heart of the series as it reveals how Andreas Ehn's creative coders solve the technical problem of buffering to come up with a unique network protocol. Andreas enthuses that the result "is the best designed, most user-friendly, most complete
music player ever."
Episode 6 brings to the fore the consequent, if unintended, problems that Spotify's business
model is wreaking upon the musicians themselves. This brings the company to a critical juncture. The essential question is will Daniel Ek compromise and address the plight of the average musician?
The talented cast succeeds in telling the story
of this business giant. Kudos to Gizem Erdogan, Ulf Stenberg, Edvin Endre, and Janice Kavander for their solid performance. Bobbi T is a fictional character.)
There's just one scene though that's puzzling; this is the last scene. Check it out.
As is true in life, the multibillion-dollar company has to grapple with the need to change with the times. Only time will tell whether it will sustain its progressive trajectory.
This film is spot on.
