David Yates’ “Pain Hustlers” finds itself in a cinematic no man’s land, unable to achieve greatness or plummet into mediocrity. The film revolves around Liza Drake, portrayed by Emily Blunt, a determined single mother whose unconventional marketing tactics inadvertently ignite an opioid epidemic. Despite its star-studded cast, the film wavers in its commitment to a clear narrative, leaving it unsatisfying.
Yates attempts to blend elements from “Erin Brockovich” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but the film lacks the necessary depth and focus to truly captivate. Blunt’s performance as Liza Drake is commendable, but is marred by questionable creative choices, including excessive voiceovers and ill-placed freeze frames.
While the film touches on the sincerity of the opioid crisis, it grapples with finding the right balance between critiquing the startup’s inhumanity and reveling in its opulence. Ultimately, “Pain Hustlers” falls short of its potential, leaving the audience yearning for more. Visit flixtor to for more!