Directed by:
Yann DemangeCinematography:
Tat RadcliffeComposer:
Max RichterCast:
Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Richie Merritt, Bel Powley, Rory Cochrane, Bruce Dern, RJ Cyler, Piper Laurie, Eddie Marsan, Jonathan Majors (more)VOD (5)
Plots(1)
Set in the bleak, burned-out world of ‘80s Detroit, plagued by unemployment, poverty and crack cocaine, this vividly observed, tragic true story follows a teenager manipulated by both drug dealers and law enforcement. Before he turned 15, Ricky Wershe Jr. (the utterly persuasive newcomer Richie Merritt) became a key FBI informant; soon after, he was known as a local drug lord. (Telluride Film Festival)
(more)Reviews (2)
As gangster films go, this belongs among the weaker examples. Especially since the movie lacks a more distinctive action and suspense. Even though it is more than obvious than Matthew McConaughey is an actor from a completely different dimension. For the sake of this film, he was able to transform himself into an American red-neck from Detroit with everything it entails. He changed himself in every way possible and took on this role in his own unique way, that is delivering a high quality performance. Everyone else is just tagging along and whenever there is a scene without him, the quality of the movie drops considerably. I was able to watch it till the end, but it’s totally mediocre.
()
For me an incredible hit and I am not far from a full score. I love these modern day underworld gangster dramas where a young kid gets involved and ends up becoming the youngest drug baron in history. The film has a solid pace, great performances, Matthew McConaughey is excellent and newcomer Richie Merritt is brilliant. There's violence too and the atmosphere blew me away beyond belief. Great fun and a must for fans of similar films. I would ignore the IMDB rating of 6.5. 80%.
()