THE BIG PICTURE
Ah, the wait has been almost excruciating, pun intended. After first making waves in the early days of 2022, ‘Pain Hustlers’ is finally giving us a peek behind the curtain with fresh images released by Netflix. This edgy comedy dives headfirst into the American opioid crisis, seen through the actions of two morally bankrupt yet magnetically charming individuals portrayed by Chris Evans and Emily Blunt.
You’ve heard the whispers, seen the tweets, and maybe even joined a Reddit thread speculating about ‘Pain Hustlers’. Despite all the early chatter, we’re still waiting on that elusive first trailer. But Netflix is slowly lifting the veil, as they prepare for the movie’s theater launch. Today, the streaming giant shared some tantalizing images via Entertainment Weekly, spotlighting a stellar cast you’ll love to hate.
In the center of this controversial tale are two opportunistic souls, Pete Brenner (Chris Evans), a sales rep for Zanna Therapeutics, and Liza Drake (Emily Blunt), a single mother with killer business instincts. Drake impresses Zanna’s squad and secures a job, putting both characters on a dubious path to profiteering from the opioid epidemic.
Don’t expect a moral awakening from these characters. The newly unveiled stills emphasize that ‘Pain Hustlers’ will lean heavily into cynicism while enhancing the protagonists’ undeniable allure. We also catch glimpses of Andy Garcia and Catherine O’Hara, who add their own blend of gravitas and quirkiness to this unholy mix. Garcia portrays Jack Neel, a billionaire doctor behind Zanna’s new pain med, while O’Hara steps into the role of Jackie, Liza Drake’s equally scheming mother.
The Man Behind the Camera
And now for a gear shift. Directing this dark satire is David Yates, a name you’d most likely associate with flying broomsticks and magical spells. In a chat with Entertainment Weekly, Yates admitted that after nearly a decade and a half in the Wizarding World, it was refreshing to return to something a bit more, well, Muggle-ish.
Yates explained, “What drew me to ‘Pain Hustlers’ was the chance to go back to basics. I yearned for scenes where the most electrifying element wasn’t CGI but an authentic exchange between two characters.”
Context is Key
For context, ‘Pain Hustlers’ is joining a lineup of productions that focus on America’s opioid crisis. Following the Hulu series ‘Dopesick’ and the Netflix miniseries ‘Painkiller’, the film draws its narrative from Evan Hughes’ investigative book, “Pain Hustlers: Crime and Punishment at an Opioid Startup”.
Mark Your Calendars
If this isn’t already on your “must-watch” list, jot this down. ‘Pain Hustlers’ will hit select theaters on October 20 and make its Netflix debut a week later, on October 27. Until then, feel free to speculate and salivate over the newly-released images.
So there you have it, folks. The anticipation is almost too much to bear, but we’ve got some appetizers to tide us over. Keep your eyes peeled for more, because this is one train you won’t want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pain Hustlers
What is the main theme of Netflix’s ‘Pain Hustlers’?
The film delves into the American opioid crisis and presents it through the morally ambiguous characters played by Chris Evans and Emily Blunt. It’s a dark comedy that aims to combine humor with a critical social issue.
Who are the lead actors in ‘Pain Hustlers’?
Chris Evans and Emily Blunt take the lead roles, playing Pete Brenner and Liza Drake, respectively. Both characters are deeply flawed individuals looking to profit from the opioid crisis.
Who is directing ‘Pain Hustlers’?
David Yates, known for his work in the ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchises, is the director of this film. According to him, the film is a return to more realistic, character-driven storytelling.
When will ‘Pain Hustlers’ be released?
The film is slated for a limited theatrical release on October 20, followed by a Netflix premiere on October 27.
Are there any other notable cast members?
Yes, the film also stars Andy Garcia as Jack Neel, a billionaire doctor, and Catherine O’Hara as Jackie, the mother of Emily Blunt’s character Liza Drake.
Is the film based on real events or a book?
The film is inspired by the book “Pain Hustlers: Crime and Punishment at an Opioid Startup” by author Evan Hughes. It’s a work of investigative journalism, adding a layer of authenticity to the movie’s narrative.
How does ‘Pain Hustlers’ compare to other productions about the opioid crisis?
‘Pain Hustlers’ joins a growing list of media focusing on the opioid crisis, including the Hulu series ‘Dopesick’ and the Netflix miniseries ‘Painkiller.’
Will there be a trailer for ‘Pain Hustlers’?
As of the information available, a trailer has not yet been released. However, Netflix has shared some tantalizing stills via Entertainment Weekly, so a trailer is likely on the horizon.
What is the tone of the film?
The film is a dark comedy that leans heavily into cynicism, capturing the charisma of its morally corrupt characters.
Where can I find images from the film?
Newly released stills from ‘Pain Hustlers’ were shared through Entertainment Weekly and are expected to be circulating on various social media platforms.
More about Pain Hustlers
- Entertainment Weekly’s Exclusive ‘Pain Hustlers’ Images
- Interview with David Yates on Directing ‘Pain Hustlers’
- Evan Hughes’ Book “Pain Hustlers: Crime and Punishment at an Opioid Startup”
- Netflix’s Official Page for ‘Pain Hustlers’
- ‘Dopesick’ Hulu Series
- ‘Painkiller’ Netflix Miniseries
- Chris Evans’ IMDb Page
- Emily Blunt’s IMDb Page
- David Yates’ IMDb Page
- Information on the American Opioid Crisis
8 comments
Andy Garcia and Catherine O’Hara too? This cast is stacked! But lets be real, they had me at Chris Evans 😉
David Yates switchin gears from Harry Potter to this? Gotta say, I’m intrigued. Realism over CGI, huh. guess every director needs a break from fantasy land.
Oct 20 for theaters, Oct 27 on Netflix? Dude, I’m marking my calendar. This is must-see stuff.
“A stellar cast you’ll love to hate,” yeah that pretty much sums it up. Can’t wait to hate-watch this with my popcorn ready!
Is it just me, or is Hollywood finally taking the opioid crisis seriously? First Dopesick, then Painkiller, and now this. bout time, honestly.
Man, can’t wait for this! Chris Evans and Emily Blunt together, like what more can you ask for? Dark comedy and opioid crisis – that’s a mix I didn’t see comin.
Oh, it’s based on a book? Better read it before the movie spoils everything lol.
Morally bankrupt but charming characters? sounds like my kind of people. Netflix, take my money already!