Every once in a while, an app comes along and takes the world by storm. From entertainment apps like Vine to social-based ones like Snapchat, it seems every five or so years something comes along and changes how we view technology. This was the case with TikTok, an app that struck gold during COVID due to the way it blends entertainment and social functions.

But these sites also come with a downside. While services like Facebook were able to survive through lawsuits and leadership changes, others couldn’t manage to stay afloat. That’s where TikTok Never Dies comes in, chronicling the period when TikTok faced a potential shutdown and the creators who fought to keep the app alive. Although the film plays out mostly as one would expect, it’s impossible not to react to the content revealed.

Over several years, the film follows lifestyle influencer Steven King, chef Chloe Sexton, and political activist Topher Townsend. While the three may have differed politically, they all had the same goal in mind: prevent TikTok from being banned. It may have been a large source of income for them, but the fight was more than just for financial gain. The app was an excellent tool for building community and finding information quickly, and the three wanted to make sure the public could still use those services.

In terms of filmmaking, director Hao Wu doesn’t do much to elevate the material, but that’s far from a bad thing. For a film tackling a cultural moment like the TikTok ban, it’s best to let the story take charge, and that’s exactly what TikTok Never Dies does. By focusing on every niche aspect of the bill to ban TikTok, the viewer can grasp how insane this era in politics was. From the unanimous congressional votes to the bizarre questions raised during the court hearings, Wu’s laid-back approach to telling the story made the ludicrous moments stand out even more. 

TikTok Never Dies may be focused on the beloved app, but the film is more about how corrupt the American government truly is. On a dime, if a select group of politicians decide that something isn’t to their liking, they have the power to ban it from existence, which makes every passing moment involving a politician’s decision in the film even more aggravating. Seeing how easy it was for them to vote against TikTok based on a small amount of information, as well as the reactions from Steven, Chloe, and Topher to the government, made for a successfully frustrating experience. 

There’s also an excellent representation of agenda-seeking from the government, showcasing how politicians are willing to shift their ideologies if it means they come out on top. This is heavily showcased through president Donald Trump, who went from being pro-ban to anti when he realized that TikTok may have led to his victory in the 2024 election, but he was one of many who changed their viewpoint. Government corruption may be something that most people are aware of, but TikTok Never Dies showcases how explicit it truly is.

Steven, Chloe, and Topher act as the Rocky Balboa of the movie; tried-and-true underdogs willing to take on the powerful no matter the cost, using only what is at their disposal. These underdog stories usually make it easy to root for the protagonists, but the film does an excellent job of making you root for them outside of that. From activism to passion, Steven, Chloe, and Topher are given ample time to disclose why their fight is important, and doing so lays a strong foundation for the rest of the film. 

Although it’s easy to get angry while watching TikTok Never Dies because of frustration with the American government, the film more than justifies eliciting that emotion. Timely not only because the events recently occurred, this is a fantastic depiction of the way the media plays a role in society and the power people truly have. The filmmaking may not be as inventive, but the message comes across more than well enough to justify the runtime. Social media may be a powerful tool for culture, but this proves that movies can play just as big a role.

TikTok Never Dies was screened as part of the 2026 Heartland International Film Festival. It is currently seeking US Distribution.

Buy in-person tickets here.

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