.png)
- TV
Newcomer Richie Merritt and Matthew McConaughey star in this crime drama based on a true story, helmed by five-time BAFTA-nominated...
Newcomer Richie Merritt and Matthew McConaughey star in this crime drama based on a true story, helmed by five-time BAFTA-nominated director Yann Demange ('71).
Set in 1980s Detroit at the height of the crack epidemic, White Boy Rick recaps the true-life story of Richard Wershe Jr. who became an undercover informant at the age of 14 before becoming a major dealer until he was arrested at age 17 and sentenced to life in prison.
Less
Where to watch White Boy Rick
57 %159 reviewsRotten Tomatoes® rating
50 %1,804 reviewsAudience score rating
"What ultimately happened to Wershe was a scandal, though it's hard to get too worked up when the movie itself is such a jumble."
—
Variety
Variety"Mr. Demange can convey mood and feeling with his filmmaking, but he can't turn Rick Jr. into a viable character and neither can the inexpert Mr. Merritt."
—
The New York Times
The New York Times"The issue is not that the film focuses on a white kid, but that it doesn't seem much interested in the black lives hit disproportionately hard by the war on drugs."
—
The Guardian
The Guardian"It doesn't turn into another Goodfellas story of crime and irony, [but] isn't saying much about the Reagan-era War on Drugs that you haven't heard before."
—
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone""White Boy Rick" attempts to mine drama from circumstances without succeeding at making any of its characters all that sympathetic."
—
IndieWire
IndieWire"Despite impressive performances by Matthew McConaughey and newcomer Richie Merritt, the film fails to engage or enlighten."
—
Hollywood Reporter
Hollywood Reporter"A patchy follow-up to the searing '71 from director Yann Demange, but one which tells a compelling true story and offers a treat of a supporting turn from Matthew McConaughey."
—
Empire Magazine
Empire MagazineWhite Boy Rick | Details
- Rating
- MA15+, Strong coarse language
- Runtime
- 111
- Genre
- Drama, True Story & Biography
- Country of origin
- USA
