Hustlers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Strippers drug Wall Street dudes and buy lots of shoes, then the economy gets involved… somehow.

🍿 Hustlers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Destiny’s Introduction to the World of Stripping

The film introduces Destiny (Constance Wu), a young woman struggling to make ends meet as a stripper. She quickly realizes the intense competition and the financial burdens of the job. Desperate for success, she seeks guidance from the club’s veteran stripper, Ramona (Jennifer Lopez).

Ramona’s Mentorship and the Rise of a Dynamic Duo

Ramona takes Destiny under her wing, teaching her the art of seduction, performance techniques, and how to maximize earnings from different types of clients. Together, they become a formidable team, enjoying newfound wealth and a strong bond of friendship. Ramona emphasizes the transactional nature of stripping.

The Financial Crisis and a Desperate Turn

The 2008 financial crisis hits, impacting the strip club’s business and leaving Destiny pregnant and unemployed. She returns to stripping but finds the environment changed, with increased competition and a willingness among new dancers to engage in more explicit acts. This leads her to reconnect with Ramona, who has a new scheme in mind.

The Hustle: Drugging and Robbing Clients

Ramona introduces Destiny to a plan of targeting wealthy men at bars, drugging them with a combination of Ketamine and MDMA, and then maxing out their credit cards. This scheme initially proves successful, providing the women with a significant income stream. They bring in other dancers like Mercedes and Annabelle to expand their operation.

Cracks in the Facade and the Downfall

The operation begins to unravel as some clients suffer serious consequences, and the women’s actions become more reckless. Destiny becomes increasingly uncomfortable with the ethical implications and the escalating risks. Ramona’s growing callousness and decision to involve individuals with drug problems further contribute to the group’s downfall.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Destiny (Constance Wu): A struggling stripper who becomes involved in a criminal enterprise to make ends meet and provide for her family.
• Ramona (Jennifer Lopez): The charismatic and experienced stripper who masterminds the scheme to defraud wealthy clients.
• Mercedes (Keke Palmer): One of Ramona’s proteges who participates in the scheme, showcasing a more comedic side.
• Annabelle (Lili Reinhart): Another of Ramona’s proteges, known for her emotional instability and involvement in the group’s activities.
• Elizabeth (Julia Stiles): The journalist who investigates and chronicles the story of the hustlers, providing an outside perspective.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ramona: “This whole country is a strip club. You’ve got people tossing the money, and people doing the dance.” – Ramona’s closing line reflects her view of the economic system, where those in power exploit others for financial gain.
• Ramona: “I’m not gonna be a beggar. I’m not gonna stand on no corner with a tin cup in my hand, waiting for you to give me a dollar.” – Ramona expresses her unwillingness to be dependent on others during the financial crisis.
• Ramona: “They’re never gonna know what we do. They’re too arrogant.” – Ramona explains how they can get away with scamming the Wall Street clients.
• Destiny: “Money makes you feel safe.” – Destiny tells the journalist her motivation for becoming a stripper and later scamming clients.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $104,963,598
• Worldwide Gross: $157,563,598

💥 Hustlers Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into Hustlers expecting a fun, light movie, and while it definitely had those moments, it surprised me with its depth. I was really drawn into the relationship between Destiny and Ramona, and how they relied on each other. JLo was absolutely amazing and I really felt for her. The pole dancing scene with Fiona Apple playing – unforgettable! Overall, I found it to be a really entertaining and surprisingly moving movie about friendship and survival.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime dramas with strong female leads.”
  • “Viewers interested in stories inspired by real-life events.”
  • “Those who enjoy movies exploring themes of friendship, ambition, and survival.”
  • “People looking for films with excellent performances and a compelling narrative.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Nudity and sexual content.”
  • “Drug use and strong language.”
  • “Themes of fraud and exploitation.”
  • “Suggestive content and mature situations.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Hustlers is a surprisingly sharp and insightful crime drama, elevated by Jennifer Lopez’s magnetic performance. It explores themes of female empowerment and economic desperation with a nuanced perspective, making it more than just a flashy heist movie.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the plot occasionally meanders, Hustlers captivates with its vibrant visuals and compelling performances. Constance Wu shines as the conflicted Destiny, but it’s Jennifer Lopez who steals the show with her commanding presence and undeniable charisma.
• IndieWire: “Lorene Scafaria directs with flair, creating a visually stunning and energetic film. The soundtrack is infectious, and the performances are uniformly strong, making Hustlers a thoroughly entertaining and thought-provoking experience.

Audience Reactions

Jennifer Lopez’s performance was mesmerizing and truly Oscar-worthy!: Everyone raved about Jennifer Lopez’s transformation and her powerful on-screen presence.

The soundtrack was killer and totally set the tone for the movie.: Viewers loved the nostalgic 2000s soundtrack and how it enhanced the film’s atmosphere.

Overall Consensus: Hustlers is a captivating crime drama with standout performances, particularly from Jennifer Lopez, and a compelling story about friendship and survival in the face of economic hardship.

Awards

1. Hollywood Film Awards (Supporting Actress of the Year)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a true story, adapted from Jessica Pressler’s New York Magazine article ‘The Hustlers at Scores.'”
• “Jennifer Lopez trained extensively in pole dancing for her role, showcasing her dedication to the physicality of the character.”
• “Cardi B’s casting was particularly fitting, given her own background as a former stripper, adding authenticity to her role and the film’s portrayal of the industry.”
• “The filmmakers aimed to create a female-driven narrative that explores themes of economic hardship, friendship, and survival in a male-dominated world.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hustlers?

Hustlers is widely available to rent or buy on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available for purchase at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hustlers, you might like these similar films:

• The Wolf of Wall Street (2013): Both films explore themes of excess, greed, and illegal activities within a specific subculture, offering a critical perspective on capitalism and morality.
• Ocean’s Eleven (2001): Features a group of individuals teaming up to execute an elaborate heist, focusing on the planning, execution, and interpersonal dynamics within the group.
• Showgirls (1995): Explores the dark side of the entertainment industry through the experiences of a young woman navigating the competitive world of Las Vegas showgirls.
• Spring Breakers (2012): Presents a group of young women who turn to crime during their spring break, reflecting themes of rebellion, financial desperation, and moral compromise.

🛒 Hustlers Related Products

• Hustlers [Blu-ray]: Own the stunning visuals and captivating performances of Hustlers on Blu-ray. Includes behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary.
• Hustlers Movie Poster: Display your love for Hustlers with a high-quality movie poster. Featuring the iconic image of Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu, it’s a stylish addition to any fan’s collection.
• Hustlers: Inspired By A True Story Paperback – September 10, 2019: Dive deeper into the true story that inspired Hustlers with this captivating article. Learn about the real women behind the characters and the events that unfolded.
• Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps [Blu-ray]: Get the perspective of the victims of the 2008 Economic Crisis that sent the Hustlers into action with this timeless movie starring Michael Douglas

🎧 Soundtrack

Hustlers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Control” – performed by Janet Jackson
• “Criminal” – performed by Fiona Apple

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hustlers | How I Mastered the Pole Dance

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Jennifer Lopez’s pole dance training. Her dedication to the craft shines through in this inspiring video.

A History of Abuse – David O. Russell is Finished

Take a closer look at controversial director David O. Russell’s history of on-set abuse. This commentary piece sheds light on the dark side of filmmaking and is worth watching for a deeper understanding of the industry.

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