Director David Yates’ “Pain Hustlers” falls frustratingly in the middle, unable to reach the extremes of excellence or mediocrity. The film centers around Liza Drake, played by Emily Blunt, a determined single mother whose unorthodox marketing methods inadvertently trigger an opioid epidemic. Despite a star-studded cast, the film lacks a clear narrative focus, leaving it lacking in impact.

Yates attempts to merge elements from “Erin Brockovich” and “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but the film’s direction lacks the necessary intensity and precision to truly engage the audience. Blunt’s performance as Liza Drake shines, but is marred by questionable creative choices, including unnecessary voiceovers and ill-placed freeze frames.

While the film touches on the sincerity of the opioid crisis, it struggles to find the right balance between critiquing the startup’s inhumanity and indulging in its opulence. Ultimately, “Pain Hustlers” falls short, leaving the audience wanting more. Visit my flixer for more!

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