Buffaloed (2019) is a sharp, energetic comedy-drama that takes viewers into the gritty underworld of debt collection through the eyes of its unforgettable protagonist. Directed by Tanya Wexler, the film follows Peg Dahl (Zoey Deutch), a fiercely ambitious hustler from Buffalo, New York, who sees debt collecting as her unlikely ticket out of her blue-collar hometown. After a failed attempt at college financing, Peg discovers she has a natural talent for persuasion and intimidation, quickly rising through the ranks of Buffalo's shady debt collection industry.

Zoey Deutch delivers a career-best performance as Peg, bringing both manic energy and surprising vulnerability to a character who could have been simply unlikeable. Her chemistry with co-stars Judy Greer and Jermaine Fowler adds depth to the film's exploration of family dynamics and economic desperation. The Buffalo setting becomes a character itself, with cinematography that captures both the city's industrial decay and the stubborn resilience of its inhabitants.

What makes Buffaloed worth watching is its perfect balance of humor and heart. The film manages to be both outrageously funny and genuinely moving as it explores themes of economic inequality, ambition, and the complicated ties that bind us to our hometowns. The script crackles with witty dialogue and unexpected plot twists that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. For anyone who enjoys character-driven comedies with social commentary, Buffaloed offers a fresh take on the American dream that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.