The Hustle

Two con artists with very different styles cross paths in a sun soaked coastal playground, each chasing the same target a naïve tech prodigy with a fortune to lose or gain. Penny Rust, streetwise and impulsive, teams up with Josephine Chesterfield, a poised and calculating socialite with a bankroll and an appetite for deception. Their rivalry becomes a game of cat and mouse as they try to outwit the mark and each other, staging capers that blend charm, fashion and quick thinking. The setup reimagines the classic tale for a modern audience while keeping the fizz of deception and the fun of a high stakes charm offensive, with a sharp sense of humor.

Directed by Chris Addison, The Hustle hit theaters in 2019 as a contemporary remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The film retools the premise with two female hustlers at its center, pairing Rebel Wilson's street smarts with Anne Hathaway's polish, with a sharp sense of humor.

Blessed with two high profile leads, the movie drew attention for performances rather than accolades. There were no major Oscar or Golden Globes nominations, and the project mostly rode on the popularity of its stars. The production aimed to offer light hearted entertainment rather than prestige. It aimed to satisfy fans of both eras, offering familiar beats with a modern twist.

To fans and casual viewers the film offered a glossy riff on the con art genre and a showcase for the leads chemistry. It never spawned a signature quote or scene that echoed through pop culture, but it did remind audiences that witty social manipulation can still amuse.

Critically the film landed with mixed reviews, some praising the performances and brisk pace while others faulted the retread feel and tonal shifts. Core themes include deception, risk and gender dynamics, as the duo swap power, power plays and social signals to sway the mark, leaving audiences entertained.