Pain Hustlers (2023) - Review
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© Brian Douglas / Netflix 2023
Directed by: David Yates
Written by: Wells Tower
Starring: Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Catherine O’Hara, Chloe Coleman, Jay Duplass, Brian d’Arcy James, Amit Shah, Aubrey Dollar, Willie Raysor, Andy Garcia
Runtime: 122 min
Synopsis: Liza Drake (Emily Blunt) is a blue-collar single mom who has just lost her job and is at the end of her rope. A chance meeting with pharmaceutical sales rep Pete Brenner (Chris Evans) puts her on an upwards trajectory economically but dubious path ethically as she becomes entangled in a dangerous racketeering scheme. Dealing with her increasingly unhinged boss (Andy Garcia), the worsening medical condition of her daughter (Chloe Coleman), and a growing awareness of the devastation the company is causing forces Liza to examine her choices.
© Brian Douglas / Netflix 2023
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Firstshowing. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Pain Hustlers fulfills the basic requirement of explaining the harrowing true story effectively, but given its star leads and skillful director at the helm, it could have and probably should have been much better. While Emily Blunt and Chris Evans deliver strong performances, David Yates falters in his tonal balance, treating the deaths of innocent victims with an uncomfortable lightness that may leave viewers, especially American audiences, feeling it's insensitive. Thematically, the tragic consequences of obsessing over wealth in detriment of other people's lives are well-depicted, but the overall lack of originality and extended runtime make the whole thing a mixed experience."
