Netflix subscribers are in for some binge-worthy evenings as the winter chill sets in, with a plethora of top-notch films to delve into.
The streaming giant boasts an impressive array of big-name Hollywood blockbusters alongside a vast selection of original movies and series.
Yet, don’t let this unexpected standout from the crime genre slip through your watchlist; it’s a recent addition to Netflix, having dropped on the platform just this past weekend.
Featuring the legendary songstress Jennifer Lopez in what may be her most compelling acting role to date, this gripping thriller has been dubbed “Goodfellas in G-strings” by Little White Lies.
The film in question is Hustlers, a crime saga with a unique spin that promises to bring some sizzle to your living space amidst the frosty weather, reports the Mirror.
Constance Wu stars as down-on-her-luck stripper Dorothy, also known as Destiny, whose life takes a dramatic turn after witnessing a spellbinding act by Ramona Vega (played by Lopez).
Upon forming a bond with the experienced dancer, she gathers a tight-knit crew of strippers who hit the jackpot during the 2008 financial crisis by fleecing wealthy patrons.
Hustlers has garnered acclaim for its brilliant direction and raw portrayal of strip club life, but it’s J.Lo who steals the show, leaving audiences and critics alike raving, with some even suggesting she deserved an Oscar nod for her performance.
Christy Lemire of RogerEbert.com lauded her work, saying it was “Lopez’s best screen work since her early heyday of Selena and Out of Sight…” and described it as a “…career-best performance.”
Kate Erbland of IndieWire praised the film, labelling it as “funny, empowering, sexy, emotional, and a bit scary.”
She further asserted: “The Oscar chatter for Lopez’s revelatory, nuanced, and emotional turn as a brilliant con artist and better exotic dancer is no joke.”
Writing for Variety, Peter Debruge was captivated: “Flashy, fleshy and all-around impossible to ignore, Hustlers amounts to nothing less than a cultural moment, inspired by an outrageous New York Magazine profile (which serves as the sturdy six-inch stilettos on which the movie stands) adapted by writer-director Lorene Scafaria at her most Scorsese, and starring Jennifer Lopez like you’ve never seen her before.”
According to the critic consensus on Rotten Tomatoes, “Led by a career-best performance from Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers is a uniquely empowering heist drama with depth and intelligence to match its striking visual appeal.”
The buzz around Hustlers extends to the wider public, with viewers expressing their delight. A fans enthusiasm was palpable on X (formerly Twitter), proclaiming: “Hustlers was incredible. It was part mob/heist film with the power of deep friendship.”
“It was sexy without the male gaze, it wasn’t about romantic relationships but it didn’t ignore them. AND the casting was spot on.”
Another fan confidently declared: “hustlers is a better movie than the irishman, once upon a time in hollywood and joker combined.”
With such vibrant acclaim, are you tempted to see what the buzz around Hustlers is all about this week?
Hustlers is available to stream on Netflix.