‘The Sticky’ Review: A Waste of a Fun Idea

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As a connoisseur of quirky crime dramas hailing from the frosty climes of Canada, I must say that “The Sticky” has piqued my interest with its unique premise and stellar cast. The show’s snowy, working-class setting is reminiscent of my own childhood in Quebec, where the cold weather often felt like an additional character in our daily lives.

A good idea doesn’t really matter. The world is littered with good ideas that then disappeared or were ruined by reality. It’s like the concept of “potential.” A baby in a crib has potential; it doesn’t mean much. This applies to countless films that have had great ideas but poor execution — Downsizing, The Happening, Passengers, Tomorrowland, Slender, to name some recent ones. What was the Steve Jobs quote? “To me, ideas are worth nothing unless executed. They are just a multiplier. Execution is worth millions.” The people behind Prime Video’s new dark comedy thriller The Sticky found a fascinating true crime and dismantled it, but how they reassembled the pieces forms a worse new thing.

Despite the limited time for character development in this TV series with only six 30-minute episodes, it boasts an impressive cast featuring Margo Martindale, Chris Diamantopoulos, Guillaume Cyr, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Gita Miller who deliver commendable performances. However, the storyline seems to race through required plot points rather than developing them organically, making them feel more like obligations than dramatic moments. The narrative includes elements such as a husband in a coma, estranged sisters, an unscrupulous land baron, a detective from a big city, and a detailed montage of the heist plan. These elements seem to be merely ticking boxes rather than contributing to a deeper narrative. Nevertheless, the acting, setting, and real-life crime that serves as the show’s inspiration all hold promise.

Stripping All the Parts of a True Crime Story

The Sticky” draws only a vague resemblance, much like a large hoodie on a small child, to the real-life crime known as the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist. Between 2011 and part of 2012, a gang of individuals pilfered over $24 million worth of maple syrup from the reserve storage of the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, making it the most costly theft in Canadian history. There’s something about this event that feels both trivial and monumental, absurd and awe-inspiring. And quintessentially Canadian, almost comically so. It’s undeniably an intriguing tale, perfect for adaptation. However, “The Sticky” strives to adapt but ultimately falls short.

The Sticky strips down almost all aspects of the true tale, leaving behind only the fundamental concept that a large quantity of maple syrup was pilfered. Contrary to fact, the series is structured as an improbable rags-to-riches narrative heavily dependent on coincidence. It zeroes in on three individuals who have faced adversity and are struggling, turning the heist into something more than a financial endeavor – it transforms into a matter of pride and retribution.

The Sticky Trio of Fine Actors with Predictable Storylines

Margo Martindale, famously known as a ‘Character Actress,’ portrays Ruth Landry, a maple syrup farmer who has been managing the farm since her husband fell into a coma. She faces opposition from Leonard (Guy Nadon), a dominant figure in the industry who has been encroaching on the area, controlling everyone’s supply. His plan is to acquire Ruth’s farm, and if she refuses, he threatens to close down her operation. Determined to remain the last independent farmer, Ruth stands firm against him.

In a particularly challenging role, Guillaume Cyr portrays Remy Bouchard. He stands alone as the sole security guard for an enormous warehouse filled with maple syrup from the season. Despite pleading for additional guards to assist him, Leonard and others disregard his requests and look down on him. At home, his affectionate father (Michel Perron) is somewhat oblivious to his son’s struggles and treats him as if he were still a child. Their relationship is both genuine and heart-wrenching in wonderful ways, and the show could have been enhanced by delving deeper into their bond.

Remy earns some extra money on the side with a friend by secretly taking out a barrel of maple syrup every month. He encounters a smooth stranger named Mike Byrne from Boston, who Remy suspects is a mobster; he confides in Mike about his plan and forms an alliance with the criminal to swipe even more syrup for greater profits. Naturally, Ruth becomes part of the scheme, and they devise a cunning strategy to lift massive quantities (literally) of syrup without it being noticed.

Manufactured Problems and the Marvelous Jamie Lee Curtis

The Sticky focuses more on the various issues, shifts, and mishaps encountered during the heist rather than the heist itself. As the clock ticks, the opportunity for the theft gradually narrows. While some of these problems seem contrived to heighten entertainment value, there’s a certain charm in spending time with the characters when they’re all together.

In a lively and purposeful role, Jamie Lee Curtis (who also serves as executive producer) adds an entertaining touch to the show. Her character is a menacing figure from the criminal group that Mike belongs to, tasked with keeping him in line. When Ruth and Guillaume enter the picture, the stakes become even more perilous. The interaction between Curtis and Martindale is amusing, making one wish for more of it. This prolonged confrontation nearly fills an entire episode, and Curtis’ involvement significantly enhances the overall quality, making this episode the standout of the series.

A Great but Wasted Setting and a Dull Climax

The gritty, blue-collar ambiance of “The Sticky” is distinctive and deeply rooted in culture, yet it’s underutilized, which is a shame. Regardless of budget constraints or limited imagination, the series fails to delve into the town or its inhabitants beyond the four primary settings (the homes of each main character, and the factory they plan to rob). Similarly, the cinematography lacks the charm or essence of the setting, instead opting for a formulaic approach. It’s challenging to create something captivating in such cold environments, but the show could greatly benefit from more creative touches or a unique visual style.

The climax is the heist, though it falls short of expectations in terms of excitement and plausibility. Yet, it sets up possibilities for a second season, and the creators have hinted at multiple seasons ahead. Perhaps, the second season could improve if they move past the heist and concentrate on developing the characters and the humor inherent in their predicament (which is another aspect; despite the absurdity of the actual events, The Sticky lacks comedic charm).

There are countless ways critics might comment on a show like “The Sticky“, but to be honest, we don’t find it particularly noteworthy. The first season of “The Sticky” will debut on December 6, available only on Prime Video. You can catch it then by following the link provided below:

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2024-11-27 17:03