Synopsis
The story of Richard Wershe Jr., a teenager who became an undercover informant for the police during the 1980s, and was ultimately arrested for drug trafficking and sentenced to life in prison.
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Cast
- Richie MerrittRicky Wershe Jr.
- Matthew McConaugheyRichard Wershe Sr.
- Jennifer Jason LeighAlex Snyder
- Bel PowleyDawn Wershe
- RJ CylerRudell Boo Curry
- Rory CochraneAgent Byrd
- Eddie MarsanArt Derrick
- Bruce DernGrandpa Roman Wershe
- Piper LaurieGrandma Verna Wershe
- Brian Tyree HenryDetective Jackson
Recommendations
- 80
Screen Daily
The new film from ’71 director Yann Demange is best when it pauses to explore the father-and-son drama at the heart of this tale, as well as coldly examining America’s ruinous drug policy. - 79
IGN
White Boy Rick is a well-acted but hurried true crime tale. - 75
Film Journal International
Despite its structural hiccups, Demange’s film still manages to highlight the humanity of a family and community that fights to survive their no-win circumstances and aspire to pass on something hopeful to their descendants. - 75
The Film Stage
It’s wild to think that Merritt has never acted before because he commands our attention with a mix of charismatic comedy and a sobering display of optimism in the face of annihilation. - 58
The Playlist
Demange, who earned glowing reviews for his debut “’71,” tries to guide all these plotlines and characters with a steady hand, but it often feels too unwieldy. There are simply too many storylines and threads competing with each other. The result is a movie that it feels like snippets of a life instead of a portrait of one. - 50
IndieWire
In Yann Demange’s bland retelling, the kid’s downward spiral has been reduced to a series of crude, unremarkable encounters and the very thing this true story shouldn’t be: poverty porn. Nevertheless, Demange manages to stitch together a number of involving scenes that track Ricky’s harsh upbringing and the events that precipitated his downfall. - 50
The Hollywood Reporter
Despite impressive performances by Matthew McConaughey and newcomer Richie Merritt, the film fails to engage or enlighten. - 50
Variety
Although Demange directs the heck out of it, White Boy Rick ultimately feels like a glorified TV movie, albeit with a better cast and a much hipper score.
