Every once in a while, I rewatch a movie that instantly transports me back to a very specific era — the sunglasses-at-night, leather-jacket, techno-music-soundtrack era of the early 2000s. Swordfish (2001) is one of those films. Directed by Dominic Sena and powered by a charismatic cast led by John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, and Halle Berry, the movie is a sleek, high-gloss cyber-heist thriller that still entertains, even with its wildly exaggerated take on hacking and espionage.
The premise is simple but effective: Stanley Jobson (Jackman), a disgraced super-hacker desperate to reconnect with his daughter, gets pulled into the orbit of Gabriel Shear (Travolta), a charismatic but dangerous mastermind who aims to steal billions from a secret government fund. Halle Berry plays Ginger Knowles, a mysterious associate whose motivations remain murky until the film’s final twists.
Early-2000s Action Vibes at Their Peak
Watching Swordfish now feels like cracking open a time capsule. Everything — from the pounding Paul Oakenfold soundtrack to the shiny black cars and stylish shootouts — screams 2001. But there’s an undeniable charm in its over-the-top confidence. The film isn’t trying to be grounded or gritty. It wants to be cool, flashy, and a little outrageous, and it absolutely succeeds on that front.
The opening explosion sequence is still one of the most memorable first scenes in any action movie from the era. It’s a bold, explosive “hook” that tells you right away that you’re in for something visually ambitious.
Travolta and Jackman Deliver, but Halle Berry Steals Scenes
John Travolta leans into his role with a mix of swagger and villainous flair that makes Gabriel Shear instantly iconic. Hugh Jackman — still fresh off his first outing as Wolverine — brings heart to the story, grounding the chaos with a performance that balances desperation and intellect.
But let’s be honest: a huge part of Swordfish’s enduring pop-culture footprint comes from Halle Berry.
Yes… That Halle Berry Scene
It would be impossible to talk about Swordfish honestly without acknowledging that scene — the now-famous moment where Halle Berry, sunbathing poolside, lowers her newspaper and briefly bares her chest. At the time, it was one of the most talked-about movie moments of the year. Not because the scene was gratuitous (it’s actually surprisingly brief and understated), but because Halle Berry absolutely owned it.
She looked stunning in Swordfish — glamorous, mysterious, confident, and effortlessly magnetic every time she appears on screen. Whether she’s in sleek club outfits, business attire, or that unforgettable poolside moment, she radiates star power. Berry in this role is the definition of early-2000s cool: stylish, sexy, and utterly commanding.
The important part is that her look isn’t just eye candy — it reinforces her character. Ginger Knowles is supposed to be alluring, deceptive, and impossible to read. Berry nails all of that, and her confidence elevates the entire film.
Style, Flash, and Pure Entertainment
Sure, the hacking sequences are ridiculous. The movie’s philosophy about terrorism, patriotism, and government corruption can feel overcooked. And the plot twists occasionally stretch logic. But Swordfish isn’t aiming for realism.
It’s big, bold popcorn entertainment — a glossy action thriller where the vibe matters just as much as the story.
The pacing is tight, the visuals pop, and the chemistry between the leads keeps things moving. Even two decades later, Swordfish remains one of those movies that’s just fun to throw on, especially if you’re in the mood for something stylish and unapologetically of its time.
Swordfish – Final Verdict
Rewatching Swordfish today is an absolute blast. Between Travolta’s swagger, Jackman’s earnestness, the energetic soundtrack, and Halle Berry looking incredible in every single scene she’s in, the movie holds up as a stylish, sexy, and wildly entertaining thriller.
It might not be the smartest cyber-heist movie ever made — but it’s definitely one of the most memorable.
