White Boy Rick

The 2018 American crime drama film directed by Yann Demange is based on the true story of Richard Wershe Jr., who became the youngest FBI informant at age 14 during the 1980s in Detroit amidst the crack epidemic and the war on drugs. Rick Wershe Sr. (Matthew McConaughey), a struggling single father, engages in illegal gun sales to support his family. His son, Richard "Ricky" Wershe Jr. (Richie Merritt), becomes involved in the criminal underworld, initially assisting his father and later acting as an undercover informant for the FBI. As Ricky infiltrates local drug cartels, he eventually starts dealing drugs himself, indulging in a lavish lifestyle. When his cover is blown, Ricky is arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment for drug possession, despite his cooperation with the FBI and his young age. The film delves into themes of betrayal, family dynamics, and the injustices of the legal system, highlighting how governmental institutions can exploit and then abandon those who serve them. The cast also includes Bel Powley, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brian Tyree Henry, and Piper Laurie in her final film role. The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $26 million against a $29 million budget.