Hustlers is a 2019 American crime drama film directed by Lorene Scafaria, based on an article by Jessica Pressler in New York magazine. The film stars Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Lizzo, and Cardi B.
The movie is set in New York City during the late 2000s and early 2010s and follows the story of a group of strippers who band together to scam their wealthy Wall Street clients.
The main character is Destiny (Constance Wu), a young woman who is struggling to make ends meet as a stripper. She befriends the more experienced and confident Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), who takes her under her wing and teaches her the tricks of the trade.
When the financial crisis hits in 2008, the strip club industry takes a hit, and the women’s income plummets. In response, Ramona devises a scheme to drug their wealthy clients and charge their credit cards exorbitant amounts while they are unconscious.
The group of strippers becomes a tight-knit gang, and their scheme becomes increasingly successful, allowing them to live a luxurious lifestyle. However, the law eventually catches up with them, and they are arrested and charged with conspiracy, grand larceny, and assault.
Throughout the film, there are flashbacks to Destiny’s interviews with Elizabeth (Julia Stiles), a journalist who is writing a story about the group’s crimes. In the end, it is revealed that Destiny has reconciled with Ramona, but the two have gone their separate ways.
Hustlers is a story of friendship, empowerment, and the consequences of greed and ambition.
Casts
The cast of Hustlers includes:
- Constance Wu as Destiny
- Jennifer Lopez as Ramona Vega
- Julia Stiles as Elizabeth
- Keke Palmer as Mercedes
- Lili Reinhart as Annabelle
- Cardi B as Diamond
- Lizzo as Liz
- Mercedes Ruehl as Mother
- Trace Lysette as Tracey
- Mette Towley as Justice
- Madeline Brewer as Dawn
In addition, several male actors play supporting roles, including:
- Frank Whaley as Reese
- Steven Boyer as Doug
- Jon Glaser as Mark
- Brandon Keener as Alpha
- Devin Ratray as Stephen
Production
Hustlers was produced by STX Films, in association with Gloria Sanchez Productions, Annapurna Pictures, and Nuyorican Productions. The film was directed and written by Lorene Scafaria, based on a 2015 article titled “The Hustlers at Scores” by Jessica Pressler in New York Magazine. The film’s producers include Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Jennifer Lopez, Adam McKay, and Benny Medina. The film was shot on location in New York City and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2019. Hustlers was released in theaters in the United States on September 13, 2019, and received positive reviews from critics, particularly for the performances of Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $157 million worldwide against its $20.7 million budget.
Reviews
Hustlers received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 88% based on 389 reviews, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The site’s critical consensus reads, “Led by a career-best performance from Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers is a uniquely empowering heist drama with depth and intelligence to match its striking visual appeal.” On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 79 out of 100 based on 53 critics, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”
Critics praised the performances of the film’s cast, particularly Jennifer Lopez’s portrayal of Ramona. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman wrote, “Lopez gives a fiercely intelligent performance, one that’s all the more satisfying because she holds back; she never loses her poise or her control.” The New York Times’ A.O. Scott wrote, “Lopez is a force of nature, and the reason to see Hustlers.” Constance Wu also received praise for her performance as Destiny, with critics noting her strong chemistry with Lopez.
Critics also commended the film’s direction and writing. Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers wrote, “Director Lorene Scafaria, who wrote the screenplay from Jessica Pressler’s 2015 New York magazine article, keeps the action flowing with wit, energy and style.” The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney wrote, “Scafaria orchestrates the story’s tonal shifts with deft finesse, striking a balance between the film’s salacious elements and a deeper sense of sadness.”
Overall, Hustlers was praised for its strong performances, direction, and writing, with many critics noting its unique blend of heist drama and female empowerment.
