The Story of Heartbreakers
Heartbreakers follows Max and Page, a brilliant mother-and-daughter team who've perfected the art of the long con. Max targets wealthy, willing men and marries them. Then Page seduces them. Max catches her husband in the act, and suddenly it's off to palimony city and the next easy mark. It's a grift that's worked beautifully for years—until complications arise that threaten to unravel their whole operation. The film balances crime-caper energy with genuine romantic tension, asking whether these two can pull off one more score or if they've finally met their match.
What makes Heartbreakers tick isn't just the con itself. It's the relationship between Max and Page—the way they banter, scheme, and ultimately depend on each other even as their personal lives start pulling them in different directions. The movie doesn't pretend to be a heist masterpiece, but it understands something crucial: the best cons are the ones where you almost believe the con artists themselves.
Behind the Making of Heartbreakers
Heartbreakers hit theaters in 2001 under the direction of David Mirkin, with a screenplay by Robert Dunn, Paul Guay, and Stephen Mazur. The production brought together Davis Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Winchester Films, assembling a cast that reads like a who's who of late-90s and early-2000s Hollywood. Sigourney Weaver anchors the film as Max, while Jennifer Love Hewitt plays her daughter Page. The supporting cast includes Ray Liotta, Jason Lee, and Gene Hackman—heavy hitters who lend credibility and star power to what could've easily been a forgettable romp.
The film grossed over $57 million worldwide, a solid return that reflected genuine audience interest. Weaver earned a Satellite Award nomination for her performance, recognition that felt deserved given her ability to play both the scheming con artist and the protective mother with equal conviction. Perhaps most poignantly, Heartbreakers marked the final onscreen appearance of Anne Bancroft before her death in June 2005. The film runs 123 minutes—long enough to let the character work breathe without overstaying its welcome—and carries a PG-13 rating, making it accessible to a broad audience despite its criminal premise.
Variety and other industry outlets noted at the time that the film represented a smart play in the romantic-comedy space, banking on the chemistry between its leads and the appeal of a heist plot that didn't take itself too seriously.
What Makes Heartbreakers Stand Out
Heartbreakers received mixed reviews from critics, which honestly feels about right. It's not a masterpiece, but it's not a dud either—it's a movie that knows exactly what it is and doesn't apologize for it. What's striking is how well Weaver and Hewitt work together. Their dynamic carries the entire film. Weaver brings a cool, calculating edge to Max, while Hewitt plays Page with enough warmth and vulnerability that you actually care about her character beyond the scheme. The thing nobody mentions is that this is really a movie about two women protecting each other, even when the con threatens to separate them.
The supporting performances matter too. Jason Lee brings genuine charm to his role, creating actual romantic tension rather than just playing a mark. Ray Liotta and Gene Hackman add gravitas in ways that elevate the material. Hackman especially—his scenes carry a weight that reminds you he's one of cinema's finest actors, even in a movie that's fundamentally a lark.
There's also something refreshing about a film centered on female characters who are smart, capable, and morally flexible without being punished for it in the way movies often punish women. Max and Page aren't victims of circumstance; they're architects of their own fate, even when that fate catches up with them. The romance elements don't undercut their agency—if anything, they complicate it in interesting ways. It won't change your life, but it's crafted with enough care that you can't dismiss it entirely.
Where to Stream Heartbreakers Online
Heartbreakers is currently available on major OTT services, and checking Movie OTT will show you exactly which platforms have it right now. Streaming rights shift frequently, so what's available today might change next month—that's where the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page comes in handy. Movie OTT tracks current streaming availability across Netflix, Prime Video, and other major platforms, saving you the frustration of hunting through multiple apps. Whether you're in the mood for a weekend watch or planning a movie night, you can find where Heartbreakers is streaming without the guesswork.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed Heartbreakers?
David Mirkin directed the film, with a screenplay by Robert Dunn, Paul Guay, and Stephen Mazur. The production came together through Davis Entertainment, MGM, and Winchester Films.
Q: Is Heartbreakers based on a true story?
No, Heartbreakers is an original screenplay. It's a fictional story about a mother-and-daughter con team, not adapted from real events or existing material.
Q: What was the box office performance of Heartbreakers?
The film grossed over $57 million worldwide, a solid return for a romantic crime comedy in 2001. Sigourney Weaver was also nominated for a Satellite Award for her performance.
Q: How long is Heartbreakers?
The film runs 123 minutes, giving the characters and plot enough room to develop without dragging.
Q: What's the MPAA rating for Heartbreakers?
Heartbreakers carries a PG-13 rating, making it accessible to a broad audience despite its criminal premise and romantic content.
Final Thoughts on Heartbreakers
Heartbreakers won't blow your mind, but it's a genuinely entertaining film that doesn't waste your time. If you enjoyed heist comedies like The Hustle or Ocean's 8, you'll find plenty to like here. The chemistry between Weaver and Hewitt is reason enough to give it a shot, and the supporting cast elevates what could've been a forgettable premise into something worth watching. It's the kind of movie that works best on a lazy afternoon when you want something smart enough to keep you engaged but light enough not to demand your full attention. Sometimes that's exactly what you need.
