Netflix‘s Pain Hustlers is causing quite the stir in showbiz. Emily Blunt and Chris Evans, the A-list power duo, teaming up for a wild ride through the twisted pharmaceutical world, all based on Evan Hughes’ New York Times article The Pain Hustlers. This movie is like a rollercoaster through the shadiest corners of Big Pharma. David Yates, the wizard behind Fantastic Beasts, is steering the ship. Pain Hustlers is turning heads faster than a magic wand at a Quidditch match.
Initially developed by Sony Pictures, this high-profile project was later snapped up by Netflix for a massive $50 million. Alongside the star power of Blunt and Evans, the movie is generating Oscar buzz, with its tone reminiscent of acclaimed films like The Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short. As we await its release, each bit of news about Pain Hustlers only deepens our intrigue surrounding this Netflix gem.
When and Where to Watch Pain Hustlers?
The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2023, followed by a limited theatrical release on October 20, 2023, and its streaming on Netflix from October 27, 2023. The eyes of critics and fans alike are on Emily Blunt and Chris Evans as their performances steal the show.
What’s the Plot of Pain Hustlers?
The storyline of Pain Hustlers draws inspiration from Evan Hughes’ New York Times article and his subsequent book, “The Hard Sell.” Hughes’s work exposed the unethical practices of a pharmaceutical company named Insys. The company exploited the opioid crisis by persuading doctors to prescribe the fentanyl-based drug Subsys to patients, leading to addiction and even fatalities.
Insys hired inexperienced but attractive salespeople and offered substantial “speaking fees” to doctors in exchange for pushing the drug. Pain Hustlers shares parallels with real-life events, much like Emmy-winning shows like Dopesick and Painkillers. The film’s tone is akin to dark comedies like The Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short, promising a captivating exploration of corporate misconduct.
Pain Hustlers Cast
Netflix Pain Hustlers cast is nothing short of remarkable and a major draw for this film. Emily Blunt takes the lead as Liza Drake, a college dropout who finds herself entangled in a pharmaceutical company’s shady dealings. Alongside her is Chris Evans, known for his streaming successes, including The Gray Man, Ghosted, and the upcoming holiday movie Red One.
They are also joined by Catherine O’Hara as Liza’s mother Jackie, Chloe Coleman as Liza’s sick daughter Phoebe, Jay Duplass as Pete’s rival Brent Larkin, Brian d’Arcy James as Dr. Nathan Lydell, Amit Shah as Paley, Aubrey Dollar as Andy, and Willie Raysor as Matt Elliston.
Who is Making Pain Hustlers?
Pain Hustlers is helmed by director David Yates, marking his first venture outside of the Harry Potter Wizarding World since 2016’s The Legend of Tarzan. Notably, it’s only the third film in his career that doesn’t incorporate wands, spells, and magical creatures. The screenplay for Netflix Pain Hustlers is penned by Wells Tower. Yates takes on the role of producer for the film, collaborating with Lawrence Grey, while notable executive producers include Emily Blunt, Mark Moran, Yvonne Walcott-Yates, Lewis Taylor, and Ben Everard.
Pain Hustlers Trailer
Check out the trailer below!
Is Pain Hustlers on Netflix Based on True Story?
The story draws loose inspiration from the real-life rise and fall of Insys Therapeutics and its founder, John Kapoor. However, the central company in the narrative, Zanna, is a fictional entity led by a character named Jack Neel, played by Andy Garcia. The main character, Liza is a completely original creation not based on any real-life figure.
Upon reading the Evan Hughes’ story, screenwriter Wells Tower recalls, “I was just astounded by this incredible story. I found it mind-blowing that these people, who for the most part have no medical training, have so much influence over the medications we’re prescribed.”
Ending Notes
Netflix Pain Hustlers meanders through a rather formulaic portrayal of the opioid crisis. Despite its lack of originality, it’s a film worth watching. The narrative may follow well-trodden paths in addressing this critical issue, but it still manages to shed light on the gravity of the situation and the human stories entangled within
