It’s that time of year again. Actors and film-makers are pounding the awards-campaign trails, publicists are dashing off for-your-consideration adverts and voters are desperately catching up with 2019’s most acclaimed releases. You guessed it: Oscar season is right around the corner, and even sooner this time with the ceremony’s earlier-than-usual 9 February airdate. From Booksmart to A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood, these are the movies you need to know about. The race is on...
Hustlers
What’s it about?
Down on their luck after the 2009 credit crunch, a group of cash-strapped strippers take back control of their destiny, starting a money-making scam to swindle their sleazy Wall Street clients out of thousands of dollars.
Who’s in it?
Constance Wu is the wide-eyed newcomer, who finds a mentor in the seasoned professional Jennifer Lopez. Lili Reinhart and Keke Palmer round off the thieving crew, while Cardi B and Lizzo have memorable cameos.
Why should you watch it?
Full details of Hustlers’ crowd-pleasing brilliance can be found in my review, but suffice it to say that the movie is an energetic exploration of sisterhood and strength.
Who has awards buzz?
Buzz is mainly gravitating towards Jennifer Lopez, who proves herself the undeniable star of the show, performing all her own carousels, hooks and fairy sits with a sultry grace. (Her 2020 Super Bowl halftime show conveniently takes place just before Oscar voting closes.) The film is gathering heat on the indie circuit, picking up a clutch of Independent Spirit and Gotham Award nominations, so there’s an outside chance it shows up in other shortlists.
‘Hustlers’ will be available on DVD on 20 January and digital download from 6 December.
