The Hustle (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place primarily in Australia, where Penny conducts her scams, and the glamorous South of France, specifically the town of Beaumont-Sur-Mer. This French Riviera setting serves as a picturesque backdrop for the elaborate con against the wealthy tech entrepreneur, highlighting the contrasts between the two con artists' styles and ambitions.

• australia
• south of france
• beaumont-sur-mer
• setting
• locations

Beaumont-Sur-Mer is a fictional coastal town on the French Riviera featured in The Hustle. It's depicted as a glamorous destination known for luxury casinos and wealthy clientele, providing the perfect hunting ground for sophisticated con artists targeting the elite.

• beaumont-sur-mer
• french riviera
• luxury
• casino
• setting

The Hustle is set in the contemporary modern era, reflecting today's world intertwined with technology and social media. This current-day setting allows the con artists to exploit the digital landscape, where wealth, deception, and online connections drive the story's themes.

• contemporary
• modern
• time period
• setting

The central theme of The Hustle is deception, showcasing the various ways both Penny and Josephine manipulate those around them. The film explores how desperation can lead to unethical behavior in pursuit of wealth, ultimately examining the blurry lines between trust and betrayal.

• deception
• theme
• trust
• betrayal
• cons

Yes, friendship is a major theme in The Hustle. Amidst their rivalry, a complex friendship emerges between Penny and Josephine. Initially adversaries, they recognize the potential of collaboration and learn from each other's conning techniques, illustrating that genuine connections can form even in a world of deception.

• friendship
• theme
• penny
• josephine
• partnership

Penny Rust is played by Rebel Wilson. She is a small-time con artist with a knack for deception who uses her charm and creativity to manipulate those around her. Her fierce determination and wit drive much of the film's humor, and as she navigates her rivalry with Josephine, she discovers deeper feelings and a desire for more meaningful connection.

• penny rust
• rebel wilson
• character
• con artist

Josephine Chesterfield is played by Anne Hathaway. She is a suave and sophisticated con artist who targets the wealthy elite with high-stakes scams. Her confidence and charm mask layers of insecurity and ambition, and throughout her encounters with Penny, she reveals the challenges of maintaining trust in a deceitful world.

• josephine chesterfield
• anne hathaway
• character
• con artist

Thomas Westerburg is played by Alex Sharp. He is a wealthy tech entrepreneur who becomes the target of both Penny and Josephine's cons on the French Riviera. His innovative dreams spark the rivalry between the two con artists, and under his charming exterior lies a surprising connection to the world of deception.

• thomas westerburg
• alex sharp
• tech entrepreneur
• target

The Hustle is a comedy crime film that balances clever deception with sharp humor. The tone remains lighthearted throughout, focusing on witty cons rather than malicious intent. The fast-paced narrative delivers a fun, entertaining experience while exploring themes of trust and friendship among con artists.

• comedy
• crime
• tone
• humor
• genre

Penny and Josephine start as rivals competing for the same wealthy target, each using their distinct conning styles. Penny relies on small-time charm while Josephine employs sophisticated high-stakes schemes. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic eventually evolves into an unlikely partnership as they discover shared goals and complementary skills.

• penny
• josephine
• rivalry
• partnership
• con artists