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Hustlers (film)

"Hustlers" is a 2019 American crime comedy-drama film written and directed by Lorene Scafaria.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Hustlers" is a 2019 American crime comedy-drama film written and directed by Lorene Scafaria. Based on Jessica Pressler's 2015 *New York* magazine article about a real-life scandal at Scores nightclub, it follows a group of New York City strippers who target wealthy Wall Street clients. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and stars Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, and an ensemble cast including Keke Palmer and Cardi B.

Plot

The film follows a group of New York City strippers who begin defrauding wealthy Wall Street clients after the 2008 financial crisis. Its narrative is inspired by a real-life scandal reported in *New York* magazine.

Production and inspiration

"Hustlers" was developed from Jessica Pressler's article about performers at Scores nightclub in New York City. Lorene Scafaria wrote and directed the film, which draws on the article's real-world events and characters.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, and Lili Reinhart, with Lizzo and Cardi B appearing in their first film roles.

Release and reception

The film premiered in 2019 and was released theatrically in September 2019. Reviews highlighted Jennifer Lopez's performance and described the film as a crime story with social and feminist themes.

Key facts

  • Based on a true story from a New York magazine article.
  • Directed and written by Lorene Scafaria.
  • Stars Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez.
  • Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival.
  • Includes early film appearances by Lizzo and Cardi B.
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Canadian context

The film screened at the Toronto International Film Festival before its 2019 release, giving it a notable Canadian festival connection.[7]

Frequently asked questions

What is "Hustlers" about?
It is about a group of New York City strippers who scheme against wealthy Wall Street clients by drugging them and using their credit cards.
Is "Hustlers" based on a true story?
Yes. It is based on Jessica Pressler's 2015 *New York* magazine article about the real-life Scores nightclub scandal.
Who directed "Hustlers"?
Lorene Scafaria wrote and directed the film.
Who stars in "Hustlers"?
The film stars Constance Wu, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, and Lili Reinhart, with Lizzo and Cardi B in early film appearances.
When was "Hustlers" released?
It was released in 2019, with theatrical release on September 13, 2019.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hustlers_(film)
    Supports: Basic identification, year, genre, director, cast, source article, and plot premise.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/hustlers-movie-review-2019
    Supports: Plot framing, central characters, and performance-focused reception.
  3. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/hustlers
    Supports: Cast, premise, release era, and content/rating information.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hustlers_2019
    Supports: Release date, rating, runtime, and genre classification.
  5. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/sep/07/hustlers-review-j-lo-strippers-candace-wu
    Supports: Toronto Film Festival screening and release timing.