Pain Hustlers is a 2023 drama film directed by David Yates and based on the 2022 book of the same name by Evan Hughes. The film stars Emily Blunt, Chris Evans, Andy García, Catherine O’Hara, Jay Duplass, and Brian d’Arcy James.
A medicine that relieves cancer pain is a good thing, right?
This is where the story of medicine, sales, and a medication containing harmful compounds like fentanyl begins, with prescriptions causing the harm portrayed in the movie.
The film blends drama, comedy, and a lot of rhythm to create a swift, coherent, and entertaining narrative. It doesn’t invent anything, but it still manages to entertain and provoke thoughts about the industry and business behind medicine.
The best part (as expected) is Emily Blunt in a role that seems tailor-made for her.
The major issue with the film is the difficulty in finding a likable character that we can empathize with.
It is a tale about, as the title suggests, the business of death and medication.
About the movie
Do you remember “The Third Man”? Yes, it was many years ago. Orson Welles spoke from that famous Ferris wheel about adulterated penicillin and the business it brought during World War II. Would you be a decent person or would you calculate how much money you would make from a bet?
Times have changed since the 1940s, or perhaps not so much because the business remains the same (medicine) and the consequences are very similar. Whether legal or illegal, it is a very tempting subject, and these “merchants of death” offer a lot of material for the world of cinema.
“Pain Hustlers” is a technically good film, no doubt about that. It is a satire about this world which, with a rhythm and a small dose of extravagance and sophistication, will achieve what it intends: to make you hate humanity a little bit more and what it is willing to do to survive.
Good performances, technical finesse, but it fails to seduce or captivate the audience. “Pain Hustlers” has the plot, the technical conditions, and the appropriate production level, but unlike “The Third Man,” it lacks that touch of originality, that touch of humanity.
Perhaps, paradoxically, the film itself is treated more as a product, technically good but lacking a more original message (cinematically speaking).
In the end, a film that squanders a great story.
Our Opinion
“Pain Hustlers” is a technically good film, but it fails to engage in terms of its script or characters, falling somewhere between comedy and true drama.
It’s a combination that doesn’t quite work.
Movie Trailer
Director
The Cast
Emily Blunt, born on February 23, 1983, in London, England, is a highly talented and versatile British actress who has gained international fame for her exceptional performances in a wide range of films. Blunt’s career has been marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award. With her remarkable acting skills and captivating on-screen presence, she has become one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry. Read more
Chris Evans, born Christopher Robert Evans on June 13, 1981, in Boston, Massachusetts, has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. With a career spanning over two decades, Evans has made a name for himself as an actor, producer, and director. From his early beginnings in television series to his breakout role as Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Evans has proven his versatility and talent on the big screen. Read more
Andy Garcia is a highly acclaimed and versatile Cuban-American actor, director, and musician. Born as Andrés Arturo García Menéndez on April 12, 1956, in Havana, Cuba, he has made a significant impact in the film industry with his iconic characters and dedication to his craft. Despite his success, Garcia remains a private and guarded individual, focusing on his acting roots and personal projects. Let’s take a closer look at his journey, from his early life to his rise to stardom and his notable contributions to the world of cinema. Read more
Brian d’Arcy
Chloe Coleman
Amit Shah
Britt Rentschler
