The Hustle

The Hustle, released in 2019, is a hilarious female-centric comedy heist featuring Hollywood's renowned actresses, Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. They star as a pair of crafty scam artists who, despite their different modus operandi, form an unconventional partnership that leads to both hilarity and chaos. With its stunning chic French locations, sharp wit, and clever plot twists that keep viewers on their toes, The Hustle is a must-watch for those who appreciate comedies about cons and scams with a hint of class.

Directed by Chris Addison, this refreshing comedy revolves around Hathaway's character, Josephine Chesterfield, who is sophisticated, cultured, and ludicrously successful at her job as a professional con artist. She uses her wealth and polished charm to lure gullible men into her lair. Ensconced in a quaint, lushly decorated mansion on the French Riviera, enchanting Josephine lives a life of opulence and cunning trickeries.

Rebel Wilson plays Penny Rust, a coarse, loud, and lively Australian woman who operates at the other end of the spectrum. She makes a living conducting similar scams, but her operations are small-scale, primarily targeting naïve men she encounters on the internet. Penny's lack of sophistication is more than compensated for by her sharp wit and intuitive knack for manipulation.

The meeting and merging worlds of these polar opposite personalities forms the basic spine of this comedy. The plot kicks into high gear when Josephine discovers Penny working her grift on her posh turf. However, instead of becoming rivals, they gradually see an opportunity for collaboration and start to navigate the intricate world of deception as a team. Through their alliance, the duo concocts even grander schemes to part the unwitting rich men from their wealth.

But it's not just the high-stakes cons that make The Hustle entertaining. Equally engaging is the comedic chemistry between Hathaway and Wilson. Both actresses bring their comedic A-game to the screen. Josephine's polished, high-class scamming techniques contrast sharply with Penny's rough, more straightforward modus operandi—a schism that delivers plenty of laughs.

Hathaway is captivating as the glamorous and smooth-talking Josephine. Immersed in her character, she sheds her Princess Diaries persona to adopt a more villainous role, commanding attention whenever she's on screen. She switches accents and costumes with such flair that viewers can't help but be mesmerized. On the other hand, Wilson, cementing her comedic credentials proven in films like Pitch Perfect, pulls no punches with her honest, boisterous performance that's true to her comedic roots. Equally adroit in physical comedy, she adds another dimension to the film.

The colourful supporting cast, including Alex Sharp who plays a tech millionaire, also makes a great impact on the story with their quirky characters and performances. A fine blend of physical comedy, slapstick moments, and the otherwise sophisticated world of con-artists, the film offers audiences a satisfying venture into the life of these glamourous scammers.

Notably, the movie is the gender-reversed remake of the 1988 comedy, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which was, in turn, a remake of a 1964 film, Bedtime Story. The Hustle does justice to its predecessors while also embracing its female-forward twist. It refreshingly subverts expectations, avoiding the tired tropes of catfighting and rivalry between its female leads. In fact, it takes a step ahead, celebrating female ingenuity and wit, crafting a tale of two very different women who use their skills to outsmart their less clever male counterparts.

Visually, The Hustle is a delight. From Josephine's gorgeous mansion to her high-fashion outfits, to the beautiful scenery of the French Riviera, the film matches its sharp comedic timing with its aesthetic charm. This beautifully shot comedy heist forms a delightful backdrop to the entertaining plot rutted in mischief and deceit.

In conclusion, The Hustle brings together a stellar ensemble with a clever plot full of unexpected twists, making the film a delightfully funny ride that keeps viewers engaged in its whirlwind of laughter, deceit, and high-stakes cons. Fans of heist films and comedies will indubitably find plenty to enjoy amidst the glitz, glam, and roguish charm of this rib-tickling caper.