The Sticky Limited Series Early Review

From Blumhouse Television, The Sticky is a limited series that attempts to honorably showcase a Québec-based story on a globally accessible platform with the help of Prime Video. American film and television productions have routinely failed to include proper portrayals of Québec and Québec culture, with most creative decisions polarizing towards either creating comically over-the-top caricature type portrayals or choosing to ignore it all completely in order to drive its own narrative. In this case, the series incorporates a great balance of creative and production decisions such as casting Québec actors, hiring local crews, and filming in Montreal, make for an endearing crime story and a cozy binge.

Inspired by a real heist, The Sticky follows a dysfunctional trio as they plan a multi-million dollar heist, stealing maple syrup from the Québec Maple Syrup Association. Ruth Landry (Margo Martindale) is a maple syrup farmer with the tenacity and crudeness needed to fight against the Association who were trying to take everything from her while she navigates taking care of her comatose husband. Then there’s Mike Byrne (Chris Diamantopoulos), a Bostonian gangster whose anxiousness about getting the job done by any means necessary sparks turmoil, leading to a string of difficulties in the group’s efforts to pull off the heist. The last part of the puzzle proved to be Remy Bouchard (Guillaume Cyr), the Association’s only means of security stopping people from Quebec’s maple surplus. Realizing that the Association does not appreciate him, Remy takes advantage of their security flaws and plans the opportunity of a lifetime. With ample motivation, this trio is driven to go against the Association head, Leonard Sr. (Guy Nadon), a dedicated police force, and an unexpected visitor from Mike’s dangerous past to truly pull off this heist.

Limiting to just under 180-minutes, the series wastes no time in delving right into the motivations of its characters with a dark comedy tone where, along with the murky Québec winters, emulate a Canadian version of Fargo. Meanwhile, the writers find a clever fashion of incorporating French dialogue among the Québécois actors to emphasize key comedic timing and make the dramatic moments much more powerful in delivery. Martindale’s brief use of the French language comes off similar to how non-French Canadians or Americans would enunciate French words, which adds to the authenticity of being an outsider to the series’ rural town setting. The inclusion of Cyr, a Québécois actor, in this trio is important to the series as his character serves as the bridge for Ruth and Mike, not only for their path to riches, but to bridge the gap as outsiders looking to make their mark in this province.

As Canadians are greatly aware of the production differences and creative choices found between American and Canadian series, The Sticky surprisingly utilizes a great transition between these styles through the interactions of different characters. Around Québécois actors, the editing and camera work become slightly over-polished and steady, referencing the low-budget quality of Canadian media. While Ruth and Mike’s interactions become much more slick and dynamic to mimic an American crime drama. It is through Remy’s interactions where viewers see a notable blend of both styles, as he is pulled between two worlds, that of his hometown and that of the outsiders.

Through the series’ blending of styles and fast pace, this trio faces a series of unpredictable events that will leave viewers at the edge of their seats and relieved at the absence of typical Canadian and crime television clichés. As overbearing and grating as Leonard Sr. can be, Ruth is quick to snap back when she sees fit, allowing viewers to not get worn out by some occasional cringy and unpleasant moments, with many supporting characters getting unexpected character development. While inspired by a real heist, The Sticky is more focused on delivering a unique outlandish tale that has surely crossed many minds of those who have heard a story about millions of dollars worth of maple syrup being stolen.

In the end, The Sticky offers up a surprisingly honest homage to Québécois culture for an American-led story. Martindale showcases that she is still an acting tour de force in committing to her character’s crude and stubborn behavior. Diamantopoulos shows how dynamic he can be when he isn’t underutilized in projects, which is perhaps his best role since his Russ Hanneman days. With a cozy runtime, the series does enough to keep a fast pace in this dark crime comedy without overstaying its welcome.

still courtesy of Prime Video

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Costa Christoulas

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