Documentary Review: ‘Hacking at Leaves’ – Confronting Failures In the System.

Johannes Grenzfurthner‘s ‘Hacking at Leaves‘ is a documentary film that feels very unorthodox in style and even its substance.

It begins as a chaotic exploration of disparate themes like colonialism, the Navajo Nation, the hacker/maker movement, and the COVID-19 pandemic. But in earnest it slowly reveals itself as a sharp critique of systemic failures and an exploration of community resilience.

In the film, Johannes Grenzfurthner is seen wearing a hazmat suit as he serves as the film’s guide taking viewers through this almost convoluted narrative. His approach is anything but straightforward. The story opens with an absurd yet chilling interaction with a grotesque avatar of Uncle Sam (depicted by Max Grodénchik), who presents some riveting commentary on American history and values.

With the help of his narration, Grenzfurthner now weaves together a seemingly complex thread of stories that connects the colonial effects on America, and the plight of the natives or Navajo Nation this affected. He also ties this all in with the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of a company that helped save many lives in the heat of the pandemic.

Undoubtedly, this film is loaded with information. So much so that it can feel overwhelming at some point. The film also has a fast-paced style that makes it difficult to keep up with everything if you are not paying close enough attention. Even if you are, the slightest distraction could throw you off on what you should keep up with.

The narrative forces you to try to keep up with a dizzying mix of archival footage, dramatized scenes, interviews, and narration. Some of the interviews even seem dramatic. But this all feels deliberate. Almost as though to reflect how all the film’s themes and subjects are interconnected in the strangest of ways. Its core theme is clear however through it all. The systems that are supposed to help capitalism healthcare and development are all failing to serve the people that matter.

One of the documentary’s most poignant threads is its focus on the Navajo Nation. Grenzfurthner shines a harsh light on the injustices faced by the Navajo people, from the devastation of nuclear testing on their lands to the lack of medical infrastructure that left them disproportionately vulnerable during the pandemic. It’s a deeply unsettling narrative, made even more so by its connection to the broader failures of American society. For someone like me who might not be entirely familiar with even the simple details of this important part of American history, this film opens your eyes to it all In an almost demonstrative breakdown.

The narrative with all the gloom still manages to show a glimmer of hope with the spotlight it throws on the maker community. It highlights the ingenuity of the Powerhouse Science Center’s MakerLab in Durango, Colorado, where engineers and designers rose to the challenge of the pandemic by creating essential protective equipment for overwhelmed hospitals. For a moment, it seems like a story of triumph a grassroots effort proving that innovation and community can make a difference. But Grenzfurthner doesn’t let us off the hook so easily. The initiative’s abrupt shutdown due to liability fears and corporate greed transforms what could have been a hopeful tale into yet another example of how systemic priorities often undermine meaningful change.

What makes ‘Hacking at Leaves’ so compelling is its refusal to sugarcoat the truth. Grenzfurthner doesn’t offer easy answers or comforting resolutions. Instead, he challenges his audience to confront uncomfortable realities. Through this film, he seems to be critiquing not just the systems that are responsible for inequality but also the cultural apathy that allows these systems to persist. He does this all with his signature blend of dark humour, theatrical flair, and intellectual rigour are familiar traits from his last film.

In all, this is a film that demands attention and, more importantly, critical thinking. It is not one that you can passively consume and it demands your full attention and, likely, multiple viewings to fully appreciate its scope and depth. But sadly, not everyone might have that time or give it that attention.

I will score it 4 out of 5 stars. It might not be easy to watch, but it is worth the watch and the time spent on it. Beyond all the chaos it still does feel as entertaining as it is informative.