How a Real Maple Syrup Heist Inspired the Completely Made-Up ‘The Sticky’

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As a seasoned gamer who’s navigated countless virtual worlds and faced my fair share of digital demons, I can confidently say that the allure of true crime narratives is no less captivating than any horror game. Much like how I’ve spent hours strategizing to outwit pixelated monsters, I find myself equally enthralled by the real-life tales of human cunning and deception.

As a gamer, I’ve always steered clear of horror games because they give me the heebie-jeebies! However, I can’t help but wonder why others find them so appealing. Some might think it’s due to a lack of common sense or maybe even brain damage, but researchers suggest it’s about facing our deepest fears from the comfort and safety of a virtual world. In other words, it seems we indulge in these terrifying experiences as a way to confront and cope with our own mortality, albeit in an entertaining and slightly twisted manner.

It’s clear that the horror genre continues to thrive, but I’d like to propose an intriguing thought: modern-day true crime might be serving as a new form of horror for our generation. Nowadays, people are increasingly confronting their own mortality through various mediums such as books, documentaries, podcasts, movies, and TV shows that delve into real-life criminal cases.

It was ultimately television where I found myself immersed, as I collaborated on the creation of The Sticky, together with Brian Donovan. This project took inspiration from the real-life crime saga, famously known as “The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist“. In this tale, individuals from the cold regions up north made off with nearly $20 million worth of maple syrup.

Absolutely, the true nature of the crime was slow, meticulous, and admittedly quite uneventful. The criminals were eventually apprehended (though not all), and served prison sentences (a rare few). Their tale could have been presented in countless ways, with today’s TV trends favoring a somber, chilling, and graphic approach to true crime. However, for someone who finds the world grim enough already, we wanted to take a different route. What if this true story was heart-wrenching, desperate, yet oddly amusing throughout?

The actual account wasn’t humorous in the least, yet once I ventured away from the facts, an array of unanticipated traits surfaced. I’ve always been drawn to stories about underdogs. Narratives about people battling against all odds, their backs pressed against the hardest obstacles. This might be because I was a small child and faced numerous challenging situations that seemed as formidable as the strongest walls in elementary or high school. (If possible, imagine the challenges moving gently towards soft and inviting trees like aspen or white pine.)

From that point on, we delved into the story. Who could find themselves in such a dire strait that stealing maple syrup was not just an option, but a necessity? By shifting our focus from the criminal act itself to the fictional characters, the answer quickly emerged. It was essential that none of the main characters shared the same motivations. Not only would this repetition be dull, but it wouldn’t be entertaining. In fact, a significant part of the enjoyment derived from the series comes from observing three distinct individuals with unique objectives all vying for the same prize, each for their own reasons.

Equipped with that solid base, we could delve into the heavy and poignant aspects without becoming overwhelmed, striking a balance between gravity and humor – capturing the essence of “true crime.” It’s these characters, after all, who aren’t mere props for the crime plot. Instead, they are driven by their personal fears and constraints, often tripping themselves up along the way.

Brian and I presented the tone of the series as if we were compelled to swipe 500 cows. We could manage part of it! Not all 500 would make it home safely – some Holsteins would escape or perish. But should our lives depend on it, we’d complete the task…somehow. However, by the end, we wouldn’t find humor in the situation; instead, we’d be overwhelmed with shock and trauma-induced adrenaline. Yet, if someone else observed us attempting to pilfer those cattle, they’d roar with laughter until the cows came home (or met an untimely end on the road).

Absolutely, having exceptional actors playing the roles significantly enhances the production. Margo Martindale is a national gem and her ability to deliver both dramatic and comedic performances with equal finesse is remarkable. Chris Diamantopoulos brought an authentic, energetic edge to his low-level Boston mobster character that exceeded our expectations. Guillaume Cyr’s on-screen vulnerability ensures that audiences find him likeable despite any questionable actions. Furthermore, these three actors understood that their characters were not intended for comic relief. We discussed this extensively: none of the characters view themselves as funny in the slightest. Thus, humor arises unexpectedly during the quieter moments, much like a well-timed belch or fart – classic comedy elements!

So take your horror, Jamie Lee Curtis (who also executive produces and has a small role in the series)! Go deal with your own mortality, audiences! But for my money (CAD), I want to see a truly desperate gang pull off a completely absurd crime in a way that finds some sweetness in this oh-so-sour world.

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2024-12-06 19:55