The opioid crisis is a real global tale of capitalism run amuck, and it’s been the basis for stories like Netflix’s recent “Painkiller” and Hulu’s Sackler-based series, “Dopesick.” The latest from this unending tale of greed, corruption, and rampant capitalism is “Pain Hustlers,” which comes from Netflix and stars an A-list cast of Emily Blunt and Chris Evans.
READ MORE: Toronto International Film Festival 2023: 26 Must-See Films To Watch At TIFF
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, which begins this week—TIFF runs Thursday, September 7, through Sunday, September 17— “Pain Hustlers” is based on the book by Evan Hughes, and Blunt and Evans star as pharmaceutical drug reps who unwittingly help kickstart the opioid epidemic in the pursuit of financial success.
The film is also directed by David Yates, and given that he’s well-known for the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” films, this is a seemingly big gear shift tonally for the filmmaker.
On top of Blunt and Evans, “Pain Hustlers” stars Catherine O’Hara, Chloe Coleman, Jay Duplass, Brian d’Arcy James, Amit Shah, Aubrey Dollar, Willie Raysor, and Andy Garcia.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Liza Drake (Emily Blunt) is a blue-collar single mom who has just lost her job and is at the end of her rope. A chance meeting with pharmaceutical sales rep Pete Brenner (Chris Evans) puts her on an upward trajectory economically but dubious path ethically as she becomes entangled in a dangerous racketeering scheme. Dealing with her increasingly unhinged boss (Andy Garcia), the worsening medical condition of her daughter (Chloe Coleman), and a growing awareness of the devastation the company is causing forces Liza to examine her choices. Pain Hustlers is a sharp and revealing look at what some people do out of desperation, and others do out of greed. The film is directed by BAFTA award winner David Yates, produced by Lawrence Grey, and also stars Catherine O’Hara, Jay Duplass and Brian d’Arcy James.
“Pain Hustlers” is in select theaters October 20 and on Netflix October 27. The film premieres first, however, at TIFF, which kicks off on Thursday. Watch the first trailer below.
