Dark Web: Cicada 3301

Movie Trailer

Release Date
March 12, 2021

Genre
Thriller, Action, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Jack Kesy as Connor Black
• Ron Funches as Avi
• Conor Leslie as Gwen
• Alan Ritchson as Agent Carver
• Andreas Apergis as Phillip Dubois
• Kris Holden-Ried as Mike Croft
• Jess Salgueiro as Shauna

Director
Alan Ritchson

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Directorial debut (Alan Ritchson is also known as an actor in “Reacher” and “Titans”)

Producer
Alan Ritchson
Cameron Duncan
Marc Goldberg

Writer
Alan Ritchson
Joshua Montcalm

Budget
N/A (Independent Film)

Production Company
Pharmacy Road Productions
Quiver Distribution
Cicada 3301 Productions

Running Time
104 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong language
• Violence
• Sexual content
• Drug use

Movie Story
“Dark Web: Cicada 3301” is a high-octane action thriller inspired by the real-life internet mystery known as Cicada 3301, a series of cryptic puzzles and challenges that captured the imaginations of hackers, cryptographers, and conspiracy theorists around the world. The film follows Connor Black (Jack Kesy), a brilliant hacker who stumbles upon the elusive Cicada 3301, an underground organization that recruits the brightest minds through complex puzzles designed to test intelligence and perseverance.

The story begins when Connor inadvertently triggers the interest of Cicada 3301 by solving one of their online puzzles. This sets off a chain of events that thrusts him into a dangerous world of dark web espionage, cryptic messages, and deadly conspiracies. With the help of his best friend, Avi (Ron Funches), a hacker with a knack for cracking codes, and a mysterious librarian named Gwen (Conor Leslie), Connor dives deeper into the Cicada 3301 puzzle, each step drawing him further into a web of intrigue.

As Connor and his team work to solve the puzzle and uncover the true purpose behind Cicada 3301, they attract the attention of both government agencies and sinister organizations who want to control the powerful secrets hidden within the puzzle. Agent Carver (Alan Ritchson), a ruthless government operative, is tasked with tracking down Connor and neutralizing the threat he poses.

The film blends action, humor, and mystery as Connor races against time to complete the puzzle, survive the dangers posed by his pursuers, and unravel the truth behind Cicada 3301. Along the way, the film explores themes of intelligence, secrecy, and the ethical implications of knowledge in the digital age. The fast-paced plot is filled with twists and turns, leading to an explosive finale that challenges the characters’ perceptions of reality and morality.

Special Effects
“Dark Web: Cicada 3301” makes use of dynamic visual effects to bring the digital world of hacking and cryptography to life. The action sequences are intense and well-choreographed, combining physical stunts with digital effects to create a thrilling experience.

Box Office Performance
As an independent film, “Dark Web: Cicada 3301” had a limited release and was primarily distributed through digital platforms. It received mixed reviews, with praise for its energetic pace and humorous tone but criticism for its sometimes convoluted plot.

Filming Locations

• Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “It’s not just a game; it’s a test. And if we don’t pass, we won’t survive.” – Connor Black
• “The rabbit hole goes deeper than you think. And once you’re in, there’s no way out.” – Gwen
• “Knowledge is power, but power can destroy you if you don’t know how to use it.” – Agent Carver

Behind-the-Scenes

• This film marks the directorial debut of Alan Ritchson, who also stars in the film as Agent Carver. Ritchson is known for his acting roles in “Titans” and “Reacher,” and he brought his action experience to the film’s high-energy sequences.
• The film draws inspiration from the real-life Cicada 3301 phenomenon, a series of complex puzzles that first appeared online in 2012 and have since become a subject of much speculation and intrigue.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“Dark Web: Cicada 3301” is an entertaining and fast-paced thriller that offers a blend of action, humor, and mystery. While it may not dive deeply into the complexities of the real-life Cicada 3301 phenomenon, it provides a fun and engaging ride with its likable characters and energetic plot. Fans of hacking thrillers, cryptography, and internet mysteries will find “Dark Web: Cicada 3301” to be a refreshing and enjoyable watch, especially for those who appreciate a touch of humor in their action films.

IMDb Rating
4.9/10