Hustlers

We’ve seen a lot of iconic character entrances in the movies from Vader to Bond, Indy to Sparrow, Joker to Rabbit (Jessica). Add to that poster-worthy list Jennifer Lopez’s Ramona Vega in Hustlers; strolling into the film through a whirlwind of dollar bills you’ll find yourself quoting Django Unchained: “You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.” Hustlers is based on the New York Magazine article of the same name, the true life tale of a Robin Hood-esque band of former strippers who, after the 2008 Wall Street crash, thrifted the brokers, CEO’s and other former patrons. It’s a quite remarkable story, an inverted Wolf Of Wall Street almost, and told with as much flair, wit and style as that particular film. This is a con film with substance, a film with class, poise and grace whilst also spending 50% of its runtime with drugged and sleazy Suits in strip clubs. This is down to the direction of Lorene Scafaria and the performances of her Band Of Merry Women. The aforementioned J-Lo may steal every scene she’s in but it’s actually Constance Wu’s Destiny who anchors the film; guiding us through the smart, non-linear narrative as we jump between her starting in the job, the inevitable fallout, the fresh start, the inevitable second fall, and the interview which ultimately led to the article itself. This is a clever way to tell the story as, purely down to being based on true events, the film lacks the central, climactic heist set piece like, say, an Ocean’s Eleven. This is less about the exploits of these women though and more about character, bravery and independence and taking a stand against class disparity. This is not a preachy film though and instead exudes warmth whenever these characters interact, although arguably the Christmas scene drags a little. This is made up for with a drug-cooking scene for the ages, one for Breaking Bad fans everywhere. Scafaria also keeps things visually stunning with incredible long takes interspersed with frenetic quick cuts in the club scenes. She imbues the film with darkness and neon, heightening the iconic feel. It’s a con film with a difference, a feminist manifesto, a lesson in cinematography that toes the morality line just so. Quite the score. 4 stars ****