SXSW Cyber Heist Thriller LifeHack Set for U.S. Theatrical Release May 15

SXSW breakout cyber thriller LifeHack hacks its way into U.S. theaters May 15.

Cyber Heist Thriller LifeHack Heads to U.S. Theaters May 15

One of SXSW’s most talked-about thrillers is officially heading to the big screen.

Per Variety, the cyber heist film LifeHack — which premiered to strong reviews at SXSW 2025 — will receive a wide theatrical release in the United States on May 15. North American rights have been acquired by Triple Media Film, in partnership with Iconic Events Releasing, marking the distributor’s latest high-profile genre pickup.

The film currently holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has already picked up two British Independent Film Award nominations, signaling serious early momentum for the tech-driven thriller.

LifeHack marks the directorial feature debut of Irish filmmaker Ronan Corrigan, who co-wrote the screenplay with Hope Elliot Kemp. The film also carries some notable genre pedigree behind the scenes, coming from producer Timur Bekmambetov, the mind behind the “screenlife” format used in films like Unfriended, Searching, and Missing. Bekmambetov produces alongside Joann Kushner, Sasha Kletsov, and Bazelevs, with Screenlife Liverpool serving as the production banner.

Michael Fassbender executive produces through DMC Film, alongside partners Daniel Emmerson and Conor McCaughan.

Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and a group of digital vigilantes who spend their time hacking scammers and redistributing stolen money — essentially acting as online Robin Hoods from the safety of their bedrooms. But their world shifts dramatically when they target a powerful crypto billionaire. What begins as their biggest cyber heist quickly escalates into a dangerous situation where the consequences are no longer confined to a screen.

The film stars Georgie Farmer (Wednesday), Yasmin Finney, Roman Hayeck-Green (Sex Education), content creator James Scholz, and Jessica Reynolds (Kneecap, Outlander).

Early reactions have been strong. In its review, Variety described the film as “a genuinely funny and ultimately heart-pounding production,” praising the film’s balance between high-stakes heist tension and character-driven moments, all propelled by a relentless techno soundtrack.

Bekmambetov also highlighted the film’s youthful creative energy, noting that much of the cast and crew are in their twenties — a factor he believes gives the film an authenticity often missing from stories about modern internet culture.

Iconic Events Releasing’s Mark Rupp echoed that sentiment, calling the film “a smart, high-stakes thriller that will connect with today’s audiences.”

With hacking culture, crypto drama, and real-world consequences colliding, LifeHack looks poised to tap into the kind of modern paranoia that thrives on the big screen.

LifeHack arrives in theaters nationwide May 15.