Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Most Wanted: Teen Hacker’ On HBO Max
In this gripping four-part docuseries, director Sami Kieksi delves into the world of cybercrime with a notorious Finnish teen hacker, Julius Kivimäki (also known as Aleksanteri Kivimäki). The series chronicles how the FBI, assisted by police in Helsinki, caught Kivimäki and unraveled the chaos he caused before his capture. But does it live up to its promise?
The Gist
Most Wanted: Teen Hacker is an intense and informative docuseries that explores the mind of a teenage hacker who wreaked havoc on the world wide web. Kieksi interviews FBI agents involved in the sting operation that led to Kivimäki's arrest, as well as experts in cybercrime and other members of the hacking community. The first episode sets up the story by detailing the events leading to Kivimäki's 2015 arrest at a hackers' convention in Las Vegas.
A Chaos Caused By A Single Person
In the early days, Kivimäki was known online as "Zeekill." He had a reputation for calling in fake bomb threats that diverted an American Airlines flight and triggered an Air Force alert. SWAT teams were sent to three different houses in the US, including the home of an FBI agent who was under investigation at the time. The PlayStation network was also shut down due to his actions. But Kivimäki's reach extended beyond these incidents. He was part of cybercriminal networks Lizard Squad and Hack The Planet, even hacking into Elon Musk's accounts.
A Troubling Lack Of Remorse
In an interview with the docuseries, Kivimäki denies any wrongdoing, saying "It's just bullshit. What am I supposed to say?" This lack of remorse is a disturbing aspect of his character and adds depth to the series.
What Shows Will It Remind You Of?
Most Wanted: Teen Hacker will remind viewers of Mr. Robot in terms of its aggro style, propulsive soundtrack, and investigation-style tone. While it may not be as polished as some other true crime documentaries, the series provides a unique insight into the world of cybercrime.
The Structure Of The Series
However, the structure of the series is somewhat odd. Instead of starting with the hacking incidents that led to Kivimäki's arrest, the docuseries begins with the operation in Las Vegas that put him in brief federal custody. This creates an unusual narrative flow and may leave viewers feeling a bit confused.
A Reluctant Recommendation
Despite its flaws, Most Wanted: Teen Hacker is still worth watching. Viewers might want to wait until the entire series is available and start with the second episode. With its engaging interviews, gripping storylines, and insight into the world of cybercrime, this docuseries is a must-watch for fans of true crime.
Joel Keller (@joelkeller) writes about food, entertainment, parenting, and tech, but he doesn't kid himself: he's a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com, VanityFair.com, Fast Company, and elsewhere.
Viewers' Rating: 3/5
This is a tough watch due to its pacing issues, odd structure, and aggressive style. But with patience and an open mind, viewers can appreciate the insight into cybercrime and Kivimäki's character.