During the crowded streaming launches of 2020 and the upheaval caused by COVID-19, the Steven Soderbergh survival series “Wireless” was largely overlooked, despite offering a uniquely tense and emotionally resonant thriller tailored for mobile viewing. The show, which starred Tye Sheridan and featured Eric Dane in a pivotal role, pushed the boundaries of storytelling by fully embracing mobile technology as both the medium and theme of its narrative.
Unpacking the Story Behind ‘Wireless’
“Wireless” centers on Andy Braddock, a college student played by Tye Sheridan, who is consumed by heartbreak and questionable decisions when he decides to pursue his ex-girlfriend into the Colorado mountains on New Year’s Eve. In the middle of a raging snowstorm, Andy crashes his car and becomes stranded far from civilization, with his only hope of survival—his smartphone—steadily losing power.
The show weaves together elements of a survival thriller with a deep dive into Andy’s internal struggles and moral choices. Most of the supporting cast, including Lukas Gage as his untrustworthy best friend, Francesca Reale as his former girlfriend, Andie MacDowell as his anxious mother, and Eric Dane as a law enforcement officer, appears through digital means: phone calls, video chats, and notifications. This narrative choice reinforces the central theme of technology’s double-edged presence in modern life.
Though the basic premise—a man caught in a blizzard fighting to survive—may seem simple, “Wireless” distinguishes itself through its execution. The interruptions from Andy’s social circle, primarily via his smartphone, intensify the emotional stakes and layer the straightforward story with guilt, humor, and heartbreak. This approach keeps viewers invested and on edge throughout Andy’s ordeal.
Eric Dane is McSteamy everywhere he goes.
The innovation of “Wireless” lies not only in its harrowing story but in how it utilizes the device it was designed for. With Quibi’s Turnstyle technology, viewers could shift between cinematic landscape shots and immersive first-person phone perspectives simply by rotating their screens. This interactive method presented Andy’s experience through text messages, social media, navigation attempts, and voice notes, offering a nuanced look at how our lives are increasingly mediated by technology.
The use of Turnstyle was more than a technical gimmick. It reflected the central conflict: technology as both a source of distraction and salvation. Andy’s phone, while a deadly distraction behind the wheel, becomes his only lifeline in the wilderness. The anxiety in switching perspectives—choosing between seeing Andy’s reactions or the digital chaos he navigates—effectively pulls viewers into his split reality. Quibi’s brief existence may have been troubled, but “Wireless” stands out as a compelling example of how the platform’s unique features could enhance storytelling without overshadowing character-driven drama.
Eric Dane’s Subtle, Impactful Performance
While Tye Sheridan is the clear focal point of “Wireless,” it is Eric Dane’s portrayal of Officer T.K. Kirschner that brings understated depth to the series. Dane’s character enters the story early, first appearing as a highway patrolman who stops Andy. At first, his reserved authority seems like a minor snag in Andy’s turbulent night, but as more about Andy’s history unfolds, Officer Kirschner’s significance grows. He comes to embody the idea of personal accountability, contrasting sharply with Andy’s frantic efforts to escape his problems.
Dane eschews overblown theatrics for a grounded performance. He does not slip into the common traps of playing a villain, a simple savior, or a stereotypical cop. Instead, he provides a steadying, humane presence within a chaotic world beset by fear and technological overload. This performance anchors the narrative, giving the frenetic events around Andy added credibility and emotional weight. Dane’s ability to deliver gravitas in a brief role underscores his skill as an actor and highlights the layers within “Wireless” beyond its central plot.
For those who missed “Wireless” during its original release, now is a fitting time to experience its raw tension, inventive use of technology, and Eric Dane’s quietly powerful presence. The Steven Soderbergh survival series endures as a testament to creative risk-taking and to the ways storytelling can evolve to suit new platforms and audience expectations. As streaming services grow and experiment, “Wireless” remains a relevant case study in the potential and pitfalls of bringing cinematic stories to the devices in our pockets.
