After the unexpected buzz out of TIFF left many suddenly scrambling to put this film on their awards radar, I can confirm that one of the year’s biggest surprises has arrived.
Based on a “New York Magazine” article by Jessica Pressler, “Hustlers” begins in the year 2007. Dorothy (Constance Wu), or Destiny as she calls herself in her professional life, is a struggling stripper just trying to make ends meet. Her goals in life are simply to take of her grandma, whom she was raised by most of her life, and maybe go shopping every once in a while. After making the move to back to NYC in hopes of making a successful career of stripping, she finds no luck. None of the other dancers want anything to do with her, the douchebag bros at the club give her no respect, always referring to her as “Lucy Liu” and she’s just not very good at her job.
That all changes when she meets the fearless Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), a seasoned stripper who knows exactly what her clients want and how they want it. Destiny and Ramona develop a strong bond with one another, with Ramona showing Destiny the ropes on how to become a successful stripper.
After the financial collapse of ‘08 has left the club in ruins, with most of the staff now gone and outsourcing most stripping gigs to Russian prostitutes, Ramona decides to gather up Destiny and other former members of the club to get back at their clients on Wall Street. Of course, things don’t always go according to plan, which leads the ladies to get messier and their scheme more dangerous.
Structured around Destiny giving an interview to a journalist (Julia Stiles) about the groups downfall, “Hustlers” quickly establishes a true crime vibe which ups the dramatic tension for the third act.
Written and Directed by Lorene Scafaria (the underrated “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World” and “The Meddler”), “Hustlers” explores themes of sisterhood, morality and often serves as a sharp criticism of late-stage capitalism.
Scafaria is at her most accomplished here both behind the camera and on the page. “Hustlers” is filled with impressive camerawork and Scorsese-like long tracking shots that sometimes go on for over 5 minutes. It’s a stylish and impeccably crafted film that doesn’t skimp out on great characterizations.
Constance Wu delivers some excellent work as our lead. Nailing the shy, timid personality we first see her as and eventually the strong, confident presence she learns to grow into, Wu has proven that after this and her starring role in “Crazy Rich Asians”, she is a likable and charismatic star.
Jennifer Lopez gives possibly the best performance of her career here. Lopez, who makes perhaps the grandest entrance of any character since Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Great Gatsby” or Danny McBride in “This Is The End”, comes out on stage to a show-stopping strip tease set to Fiona Apple’s “Criminal”. It’s the type of entrance saved only for characters like Jessica Rabbit. Despite the grand entrance, Lopez actually delivers a subtle and intricate performance. She’s a character with many complex layers and is written beautiful by Scafaria. It’s at one minute showy and the next understated. This is a dynamic performance that’s as a good as anything you’ll see at the theater this year.
Scafaria also employs a wealth of supporting players that make the most of their respective screen time. Keke Palmer and Lili Reinhart both give compelling performances as former strippers that aid Lopez in her schemes against their Wall Street clients, even if the don’t get nearly the rich characters that Wu and Lopez have. Palmer’s defining motivation is that of her incarcerated husband. Reinhart’s character is a farm girl, recently disowned by her family, that can vomit on command whenever presented with any sort of anxiety.
Cardi B and Lizzo both have fun in what are essentially glorified cameos, but do make their respective mark. Cardi in particular, known for actually being a stripper before her days in the rap game, makes a sizable impression in her bit role, suggesting a future career in films.
What makes “Hustlers” feel so fresh and original is the depiction of its lead characters. Strippers in film are almost never shown in a positive light, but Scafaria gives these women the humanity that’s been missing for so long in cinema. These are women with their own problems, their own dreams, and stripping doesn’t define who they are. It’s progresssive portrayal of sex workers is completely refreshing.
The film also doesn’t shy away from challenging the morality of our heroines. These ladies are drugging and robbing men and sometimes to men who don’t otherwise “deserve it”. This adds another layer of complexity not only to the story, but to the viewer. We are rooting for these ladies the whole way through, but the waters get murkier after some truly shady incidents. This just further proves Scafaria as a gifted storyteller.
Also add in a great, era-appropriate soundtrack with inspired music cues to round things out. Filled with mid-2000’s hits from 50 Cent, Usher, Lil Wayne, Brittany Spears and Lil Jon that help give the film an authenticity and rarely ever detract from what’s on-screen.
If “Hustlers” falters in any way, it would be through some useless characters. Some character subplots tend to go nowhere and only exist to add more drama to the story when we already have so much to chew on. Specific characters only exist to further the plot and once that part of the story is fulfilled, the characters disappear from the film entirely.
Minor quibbles aside, “Hustlers” is an enormously entertaining and satisfying ride with elevated drama. Writer/Director Lorene Scafaria ups her craft to new heights, delivering a true crime story filled to the brim with swagger and infectious energy that’s makes for a surprise must-see.
J’lo was amazing in this. This film also captured friendships well, I rate it 4!
324553 285515Quite interesting topic , appreciate it for putting up. 106079
378863 649818Hello, Neat post. Theres an problem together along with your internet site in internet explorer, may possibly check this? IE nonetheless may be the marketplace leader and a huge component to folks will omit your great writing because of this difficulty. 775005
108243 984938among the greatest system I know, thank you very a lot . 127941
I do consider all of the concepts you have presented in your post.
They are really convincing and can definitely work.
Still, the posts are very brief for novices. May just you please
lengthen them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.
adreamoftrains webhosting
16101 849124very good post, i definitely really like this excellent website, continue it 60292
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote
the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive
the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog.
A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.
868023 500504fantastic issues altogether, you just gained a logo new reader. 844152
596031 919137whoah this weblog is magnificent i like reading your articles. 618745
126324 621630Hello! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to appear it over. Im definitely enjoying the data. Im book-marking and will likely be tweeting this to my followers! Outstanding weblog and superb style and style. 273286
270035 498457You truly really should experience a tournament for starters with the finest blogs online. Let me recommend this great web site! 496623
366280 178152I consider something truly special in this website . 293995
679054 174991you could have an ideal weblog right here! would you prefer to make some invite posts on my weblog? 880388
35113 983860yourselfm as burning with excitement along accumulative concentrating. alter ego was rather apocalyptic by the mated ethical self went up to. It is punk up to closed ego dispirited. All respecting those topics are movables her really should discover no end touching unpronounced. Thanks so much! 316738
161173 242740Hey there guys, newbie here. Ive lurked about here for a little while and thought Id take part in! Looks like youve got quite a great location here 976715
788091 145981Should you are interested in envision a alter in distinct llife, starting up normally the Los angeles Surgical procedures fat reduction method is actually a large movement in order to accomplishing which normally thought. shed belly fat 862043
900491 436620Hiya. Very cool web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web website and take the feeds additionallyI am happy to find numerous beneficial information here within the post. Thank you for sharing 470465
906801 299728The next time I just read a weblog, I really hope which it doesnt disappoint me up to this one. Get real, Yes, it was my choice to read, but I personally thought youd have something intriguing to convey. All I hear can be a handful of whining about something you can fix inside the event you werent too busy trying to locate attention. 818604
514178 392687Hello! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great information youve gotten right here on this post. I will likely be coming back to your blog for far more soon. 859381
958137 275561Nice site, nice and simple on the eyes and fantastic content material too. Do you want numerous drafts to make a post? 531815
902965 924628There exist a couple of many different distinct levels among the California Weight loss program and each and every a person is pretty crucial. Youre procedure stands out as the the actual giving up with all of the power. weight loss 260633
Hi mates, pleasant piece of writing and good urging commented here, I am actually enjoying by these.|
I am actually grateful to the owner of this web site who has shared this great paragraph at here.|
Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s tough to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appearance. I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this. Also, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Opera. Exceptional Blog!|
Hello i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anywhere, when i read this piece of writing i thought i could also make comment due to this sensible piece of writing.|
I don’t know if it’s just me or if perhaps everybody else encountering problems with your website. It seems like some of the written text on your content are running off the screen. Can someone else please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with my web browser because I’ve had this happen previously. Thank you|
Hello defactofilmreviews.com owner, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures.
Dear defactofilmreviews.com webmaster, You always provide useful tips and best practices.
To the defactofilmreviews.com administrator, Your posts are always insightful and valuable.
Dear defactofilmreviews.com administrator, Your posts are always informative and up-to-date.
Dear defactofilmreviews.com owner, Your posts are always well-supported by facts and figures.
Hello defactofilmreviews.com admin, Thanks for the post!
Hello defactofilmreviews.com administrator, Your posts are always on topic and relevant.
Hi defactofilmreviews.com administrator, Your posts are always well-referenced and credible.
Hi defactofilmreviews.com owner, Thanks for the well-structured and well-presented post!
Hello defactofilmreviews.com admin, Thanks for the well-organized post!
Hi defactofilmreviews.com webmaster, Great post!
To the defactofilmreviews.com owner, Excellent work!
To the defactofilmreviews.com owner, Thanks for the well-written and informative post!
Hello defactofilmreviews.com administrator, Thanks for the detailed post!
Hi defactofilmreviews.com webmaster, Keep sharing your knowledge!
Hello defactofilmreviews.com admin, You always provide great examples and case studies.
Hi defactofilmreviews.com admin, You always provide useful information.
Hi defactofilmreviews.com administrator, You always provide great information and insights.