On Wednesday, Netflix released the teaser trailer for the film Pain Hustlers, directed by David Yates. The trailer introduces Emily Blunt’s character, Lizza Drake, who is determined to create a better life for herself and her daughter. Unfortunately, her pursuit of a better life leads her into a criminal conspiracy with dire consequences.
In the trailer, Liza questions the legality of her new job at a failing pharmaceutical startup in a Florida strip mall. Despite her charm, drive, and guts, Liza finds herself caught in the middle of a criminal enterprise that endangers the company and her position.
The film’s synopsis reveals that the company is marketing a new opioid drug as a pain relief solution for cancer patients, inadvertently contributing to the US opioid epidemic due to greed and profits. Liza’s life transforms into unimaginable wealth and luxury as the trailer unfolds. However, her status as a single mother adds another layer of complexity to her circumstances.
Pain Hustlers takes inspiration from films like Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short, exploring the dark underbelly of the pharmaceutical industry. The trailer’s release precedes the film’s world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival on September 11.
Alongside Emily Blunt, the film also stars Chris Evans, Catherine O’Hara, and Andy Garcia. Netflix acquired Pain Hustlers for around $50 million at the Cannes Film Festival 2022. The screenplay is written by Wells Tower, known for The True American, and produced by Lawrence Grey through his Grey Matter Productions banner and Wychwood Pictures.
David Yates, renowned for his work on the Harry Potter franchise, including the last four films and all three Fantastic Beasts films, helms the project.
