‘LifeHack’ Review- An Exhilarating Heist Film Set Entirely In The Digital World [SXSW 2025]

The Screenlife genre has exploded in popularity in the last decade thanks to the popularity of films like 2015’s Unfriended and 2023’s Missing. The genre, which some would say is a natural evolution of found-footage films, meets the technology-obsessed audience where they’re at by telling stories contained within the confines of Zoom meetings, FaceTime chats, and Instagram reels. Ronan Corrigan’s directorial debut, LifeHack, is a welcome and riveting addition to the genre that follows four friends who attempt to pull off a legendary cryptocurrency heist.

Kyle (Georgie Farmer) is a mischievous but kind young hacker who spends his days turning the tables on scam callers with his friends, Alex (Yasmin Finney), Sid (Roman Hayeck-Green), and Petey (James Scholz). When this merry band of digital thieves encounters the activities of insufferable cryptocurrency guru John Heard (Charlie Creed-Miles), they figure that stealing a tiny part of his fortune wouldn’t hurt anyone. It would vastly improve the lives of this group of friends, each with their own tumultuous life and money issues.  When Heard’s vapid and vengeful daughter, Lindsey (Jessica Reynolds), figures out the gang’s plan, she propositions them into helping her steal millions from her father. What ensues is a crafty, thrilling, and pulse-pounding caper that will leave viewers glued to the screen.

LifeHack is a winning blend of digital skullduggery, exhilarating drama, and comedic moments that even the most reluctant viewers can relate to and enjoy. Ronan Corrigan and Hope Elliot Kemp’s script is clever and well-paced and provides much-needed commentary on the dangers of being chronically online without being heavy-handed or preachy. The film also does an excellent job of making the central foursome likable and relatable. The characters and their world feel lived in, and that’s a strength that cannot be understated.

Georgie Farmer nails his role as Kyle, the team leader. Kyle is sensitive, cares about his friends, and has the uncanny ability to draw them into the most foolish of exploits. Kyle’s father abandoned him after his parent’s divorce, and the film implies that much of his behavior is in the hopes that his absent father will notice him and take an active part in his life. It’s a subtle but powerful bit of character motivation that grounds the story in the real, non-digital world.  While we don’t get any moments between Kyle and his mother, unfortunately, the thread of his longing for his dad’s attention makes the character likable and sympathetic even when the character doesn’t deserve it.

Yasmin Finney’s Alex is a sweet and artistic hacker with a knack for creating fake IDs. Finney is at ease in the role, and the mysterious, alternative, and sexy portrayal makes Alex instantly likable. Without spoiling too much, the character is shortchanged in the family department. Her mother is mentioned, but unlike the other characters, we never see an adult or family member in the background. James Scholz’s Petey has been friends with Kyle since they were little kids and is the most ambitious of the group. He’s only pulled into his friend’s insane scheme because Ivy League tuition is expensive. Petey is the most level-headed of the group and the voice of reason. Scholz is great in the role and his character is a vital part of the team. Roman Hayeck Green’s Sid will be a fan favorite due to his humor and fun-loving nature. Sid is full of charm and is vulnerable and determined to leave his troubled home. Green is clearly having a lot of fun with the character, and it’s a joy to watch.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t also praise Charlie Creed-Miles and Jessica Reynolds as the insanely rich, but extremely dysfunctional father and daughter duo, John and Lindsey. The film wisely gives Lindsey additional depth beyond making her the spoiled rich kid without a care in the world. She isn’t as dumb as everyone thinks she is, and that makes her someone to watch out for. Reynolds nails the role by flitting between vapid valley girl and devious daughter scorned at the drop of a hat. Creed-Miles also nails his portrayal of the self-centered, self-absorbed millionaire.

LifeHack is a thrilling, heart-racing tale of digital skullduggery and friendship that is sure to be a hit among modern audiences.

LifeHack held its World Premiere as part of the Narrative Spotlight section of the 2024 SXSW TV & Film Festival. 

Director: Ronan Corrigan

Screenwriters: Ronan Corrigan, Hope Elliott Kemp

Rated: NR

Runtime: 96m