Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam Review
If you’ve ever wondered how far someone will go for fame, Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam gives you answers — and then some. Now streaming on Prime Video, this three-part docuseries, directed by Rebecca Chaiklin, pulls back the glittery veneer of Hollywood to expose one of its most audacious frauds.
What It’s About
At its core, the series follows Zach Horwitz (also known as Zach Avery) — a struggling actor who didn’t just wait for his big break… he built a multi-million-dollar Ponzi scheme to fake it till he made it. Through his company 1inMM Capital, Horwitz allegedly convinced investors he had film distribution deals with Netflix and HBO, using their money to live a high-end lifestyle full of luxury homes, designer clothes, and A-list appearances.
What makes it more compelling is the emotional web surrounding him — from his ex-wife to close friends and business associates, all of whom got pulled into the facade. Their stories add a layer of heartbreak to the financial headlines.
Direction & Style
Director Rebecca Chaiklin brings a slick yet grounded feel to the series. It plays with contrast really well — showing the glitz and glamour Zach sold to the world alongside the raw truth behind the scenes. It’s structured tightly over three episodes, with a clear arc: rise, peak, and inevitable collapse.
The editing is strong, combining first-hand accounts, archival footage, and just enough dramatic pacing to keep things moving without feeling overproduced. It’s not overly flashy — and that’s a good thing. The restraint adds credibility.
What Works
The emotional storytelling is key. You really feel for the people closest to Zach who were blindsided, especially those who weren’t just investors but friends and family.
Zach’s rise is almost cinematic — which makes the fall even more wild. He knew exactly what image to sell, and how to sell it.
It asks important questions about ambition, identity, and the cost of chasing a dream in a town built on appearances.
What Doesn’t
Some parts feel a little thin. For a con this big, three episodes might not be quite enough to fully unpack the mechanics or all the fallout.
Certain threads — like where the money went, or how he maintained the lie for so long — are touched on but not deeply explored.
There’s a lot of time spent on Zach’s image and lifestyle; a bit more focus on the victims and broader impact would’ve added weight.
Final Verdict
Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam isn’t just a story about a con — it’s about the illusion of Hollywood itself. It’s a cautionary tale about ambition unchecked, charisma weaponized, and how easy it is to believe in success when it looks shiny on the outside.
It’s tight, well-made, and compelling throughout. True-crime and docuseries fans will find it an easy binge — but don’t be surprised if it leaves you thinking twice about what “success” really looks like.
Rating: 3.5/5
Bold, glossy, and surprisingly personal — just like the scam it unpacks.
