In David Yates’ “Pain Hustlers,” the film disappoints as it remains in a frustrating middle ground, unable to achieve the extremes of greatness or mediocrity. The narrative revolves around Liza Drake, portrayed by Emily Blunt, a determined single mother whose unconventional marketing tactics inadvertently trigger an opioid epidemic. Despite a star-studded cast, the film lacks a clear narrative focus, leaving it unsatisfying.
Yates attempts to merge elements from “Erin Brockovich” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but the film lacks the required depth and commitment to truly captivate. Blunt’s performance as Liza Drake is noteworthy, 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 struggles to strike the right balance between critiquing the startup’s inhumanity and indulging in its extravagance. Ultimately, “Pain Hustlers” falls short, leaving the audience yearning for more. Visit Moviesjoy for more!