David Yates’ “Pain Hustlers” finds itself in a cinematic no man’s land, unable to achieve the heights of excellence or the depths of failure. The film revolves around Liza Drake, portrayed by Emily Blunt, a single mother whose unconventional marketing strategies inadvertently ignite an opioid epidemic. Despite the film’s star-studded cast, it wavers in its commitment to a clear narrative, leaving it lacking in impact.
Yates attempts to blend the styles of “Erin Brockovich” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but his direction lacks the necessary flair and focus. Emily Blunt’s performance as Liza Drake is a highlight, but it is marred by questionable creative choices, such as unnecessary voiceovers and ill-placed freeze frames.
While the film does touch on the sincerity of the opioid crisis, it struggles to strike a balance between critiquing the startup’s inhumanity and reveling in its extravagance. Ultimately, “Pain Hustlers” falls short, leaving the audience unfulfilled. Visit afdah movie for more!
