Pain Hustlers

R

Released Oct 20, 2023

2h 2m

Crime

Drama

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List

23%

Tomatometer

114 Reviews

64%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

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. Pain Hustlers is a sharp and revealing look at what some people do out of desperation and others do out of greed.

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Critics Consensus

Pain Hustlers has some great actors and a worthwhile premise, but lackluster execution dooms this dramatic look at the opioid epidemic.

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Jocelyn Noveck

Associated Press

Pain Hustlers feels like a retreading of the same ground covered in other recent works, bringing nothing especially new to the table and, in splitting the stylistic difference between slick/breezy and poignant/authentic, succeeding fully at neither.

Rated: 2/4

Oct 30, 2023

Full Review

Devan Coggan

Entertainment Weekly

It's plenty entertaining, but not particularly thoughtful — just enough depth to fill a prescription pad, not a whole book.

Rated: B-

Oct 30, 2023

Full Review

Liz Shannon Miller

Consequence

Pain Husters manages to avoid feeling like an Adam McKay remake of Dopesick, but its shifting tone never quite hits the right notes.

Rated: C+

Oct 27, 2023

Full Review

Clotilde Chinnici

Loud and Clear Reviews

Ultimately, Pain Hustlers feels like a half-finished product, one that does manage to fully delve into the depths and complexities of the opioid epidemic in the United States.

Rated: 2.5/5

Sep 14, 2024

Full Review

Brandon Lewis

Geek Vibes Nation

There are compelling stories about the opioid crisis and ways to tell them. Sadly, Pain Hustlers lacks the conviction to assume the associated risks.

Rated: 5.5/10

Jul 3, 2024

Full Review

Pete Vonder Haar

Houston Press

The biggest crime? They made Catherine O'Hara boring.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 25, 2024

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Shelley Ann V

Convincing acting, entertaining, plenty of eye-candy. Enjoyed the script too.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/08/24

Full Review

matthias s

*Pain Hustlers* had all the makings of a hit with a cast like Chris Evans, Emily Blunt, and Catherine O'Hara, so I was excited going in. However, the film turned out to be a major letdown. Emily Blunt shines and really carries the movie, but it’s hard to overlook the messy editing and strange pacing. Scenes drag on when they shouldn't, and others that need more depth are rushed. The tone had potential, but David Yates’ vision here feels confused. It’s like a cheap knockoff of *The Wolf of Wall Street* or *The Big Short*, without the spark. Despite some standout moments, the story doesn’t captivate, and I found myself bored for most of it. Overall, it’s a missed opportunity with a cast that deserves better. 2.5 stars.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

09/28/24

Full Review

Shioka O

Overall I enjoyed it, acting performance is really good especially Emily Blunt. Storytelling could be better though. Feels unfocused. The topic is interesting and showing dark side of America.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/31/24

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Jeffrey P

'The Wolf of Wall Street' this is not.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/24

Full Review

R C

There were some lulls in the storytelling with Emily Blunt doing a fantastic job. Her range on camera is exceptional. Seeing this depiction of the opioid crisis really made me think what's really going on out there.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/17/24

Full Review

Sandy F

It was good. Interesting topic, very good acting----not something I'm going to yell for everyone to see---but I am picky and if I didn't turn it off it means it is pretty great.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/07/24

Full Review

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David Yates

Director

Emily Blunt

Liza Drake

Chris Evans

Actor

Andy Garcia

Actor

Catherine O'Hara

Actor

Amit Shah

Actor

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Pain Hustlers: Trailer 1

2:12

Pain Hustlers: Teaser

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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. Pain Hustlers is a sharp and revealing look at what some people do out of desperation and others do out of greed.

Director: David Yates
Producer: Lawrence Grey, David Yates
Screenwriter: Wells Tower
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Grey Matters Productions, Wychwood Media
Rating: R (Nudity|Language Throughout|Drug Use|Some Sexual Content)
Genre: Crime, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 20, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 27, 2023
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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