'LifeHack' Review: A Merry Band of Crypto Thieves Attempt the Ultimate Heist Over FaceTime

Screenlife filmmaking, a format that involves telling a cinematic story entirely through characters' computer screens, is often met with skepticism. Critics have questioned its effectiveness, and audiences have been left feeling disconnected from the on-screen action. However, "LifeHack," director Ronan Corrigan's debut, proves to be an exception to this rule. This wild and energetic ride follows a group of teenage cyberthieves as they attempt to pull off the ultimate heist using nothing but their wits and FaceTime screens.

The film centers around Kyle, a 17-year-old genius who spends his days detecting online scams and scamming them back before they have a chance to hurt anyone. He's like a real-life Robin Hood, but with a laptop and a sharp mind. However, the pressure to achieve something massive by the age of 19 is taking its toll on him. With no ideas to match his ambition, Kyle turns to his friends Alex, Sid, and Petey for help.

Together, they devise a plan to steal from the pockets of Chaotic billionaire Don Heard, played by Charlie Creed-Miles in a role that's reminiscent of Elon Musk. The scam starts with creating a fake modeling agency, signing Don's daughter as a client, and hacking into his phone to find his passwords. It's a slick operation, but they soon realize there's more where that came from.

The four friends are soon enlisting the help of Don's estranged daughter, who quickly catches on to their plan and joins forces with them to steal another $20 million from her father. The stakes get higher as they're forced to physically break into his office, still shown over FaceTime screens, of course.

The Screenlife format may not be for everyone, but "LifeHack" shines in its ability to capture the joy and energy of its polymath characters. Zippy editing and an energetic score ensure that the film never stalls for long enough to feel like a chore. The characters' lack of life experience allows them to turn even the most serious topics into a big joke.

At times, "LifeHack" plays like a far-less unsettling version of Harmony Korine's "Baby Invasion." It's an addictively rhythmic crime spree that unfolds against a backdrop of thousands of reddit tabs and JPEG thumbnails. This film is an authentic portrait of the most alive these teenage cyberthieves have ever been.

While it's unclear whether Screenlife will ever truly transcend gimmick status, "LifeHack" can be very convincing in its argument that younger generations might feel differently. The internet is their playground, and this film is a testament to the power of digital communication to bring people together – or drive them further apart.

"LifeHack" premiered at SXSW 2025 and is currently seeking U.S. distribution. If you're looking for a film that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, "LifeHack" might be worth keeping an eye on. Just be prepared to dive into the wild world of cybercrime and social media.