Prime Video’s ‘The Sticky’ Is an Absurdly Fantastic Account of Canada’s Infamous Maple Syrup Heist: TV Review

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As a movie critic who has been sifting through the cinematic landscape for over four decades, I must say that “The Sticky” is a delectable concoction of humor, suspense, and the absurd that left me utterly captivated. Hailing from the frozen tundras of Canada myself, the tale’s small-town setting felt eerily familiar – minus the $150 million maple syrup heist, of course.

Approximately ten years ago, the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist became the largest robbery ever recorded in the nation’s history. Today, Brian Donovan and Ed Herro have given this true tale an offbeat twist inspired by the Coen Brothers’ “Fargo” in the dark comedy-thriller series “The Sticky,” now streaming on Prime Video. The story unfolds in a quaint Quebec town in 2011, where maple syrup reigns supreme, introducing us to three peculiar characters: Ruth (played by Margo Martindale), a stubborn maple farmer struggling to keep her farm afloat while caring for her unconscious husband; Mike (Chris Diamantopoulos), an associate of Ruth’s husband who is prone to impulsive outbursts; and Remy (Guillaume Cyr), the dim-witted security guard at the Quebec Maple Association. This unusual trio forms an alliance for a chaotic adventure filled with mishaps and setbacks. With its lighthearted tone, engaging plot, and sheer absurdity, “The Sticky” promises viewers an unpredictable, entertaining journey they won’t be able to resist.

The six-episode crime thriller kicks off with a unique discovery: a corpse floating in a barrel of maple syrup. Over the next 48 hours, viewers meet Ruth, who’s struggling to cope with her farm being closed down and her syrup being seized. Meanwhile, Remy is furious after his boss, Léo (Mickaël Gouin), rejects his request for a promotion and additional security to safeguard the maple syrup reserves. Simultaneously, Mike, a small-time crook, is seen extorting local businesses on behalf of his superiors. At the heart of this story lies Leonard Gauthier (Guy Nadon), the Maple Association’s head and Léo’s father. He exploits local farmers ruthlessly by imposing strict rules, intimidation, and unfair deals.

Faced with a financial crunch, Ruth seeks help from Mike who introduces her to Remy. Together, they hatch a plan to outwit Leonard and the Quebec Maple Association by stealing $150 million from their poorly secured syrup stockpile. However, as the hot-headed gangster, nurturing caregiver, and somewhat inept family man embark on their plot, things don’t go as smoothly as anticipated. Given the close-knit nature of the community, it becomes difficult to keep secrets. Matters become even more complicated when a body is discovered, prompting Montreal detective Valérie Nadeau (Suzanne Clément) and local officer Teddy Green (Gita Miller) to launch an investigation. They soon begin piecing together the puzzle.

The show titled ‘The Sticky’ is utterly outrageous in the most delightful manner possible. The crooks are consistently adjusting their strategies as the deadline to execute their crime approaches. Yet, they almost get caught in every installment. Episode 3, entitled ‘Margins’, stands out as it has a side-splitting moment when the gang ends up trapped inside a storage unit to avoid police scrutiny. Despite being lighthearted and entertaining throughout, the fourth episode, ‘Blade’, is exceptional. As the heist plans unravel, characters like Ruth, Remy, and Mike become suspicious of each other. Additionally, Jamie Lee Curtis delivers an impressive and unexpected appearance in this episode.

In “The Sticky,” the main story revolves around a series of maple syrup heists. However, the central characters are three individuals yearning for freedom from oppressive situations and systems. Yet, these characters aren’t particularly likable. One intriguing aspect of the show is that its protagonists are so reprehensible that viewers find themselves torn between rooting for their success and wanting them to fail. Additionally, supporting characters, particularly those with exaggerated French-Canadian accents, enrich the series by providing a broader perspective. For instance, Nadon’s Leonard is portrayed as being so excessively greedy that he frequently becomes the subject of ridicule and public scorn.

The Blumhouse-produced television series is certainly graphic and startling, yet it never fails to be an absolute blast. Furthermore, since the actual crime events are vast and involve numerous important characters, it’s satisfying that the show concludes with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger, suggesting potential future seasons. Nonetheless, within this first season alone, “The Sticky” offers a delightful, suspenseful journey filled with humor, peculiar scenarios, and an exceptional ensemble cast.

The six episodes of “The Sticky” premiere on Dec. 6 on Prime Video.

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2024-12-06 17:18