I love a good crime story, with both the Fargo movie and series comfortably in my top 10, so when I heard about The Sticky, coming to Prime Video, I was intrigued. While not entirely silly, and even starting with a gruesome death, The Sticky offers a refreshing twist on the genre by transforming the infamous Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist into a delightful black comedy. This Prime Video series, produced by Jamie Lee Curtis’s company, takes viewers on a dark journey through the syrupy underbelly of Quebec, blending humour with a fun caper narrative.
Living in Canada, I heard the story of the inspiration for The Sticky, an audacious theft of nearly 3,000 tonnes of maple syrup from a Quebec storage facility between 2011 and 2012. Valued at $18.7 million, the heist involved thieves refilling barrels with water to conceal their crime. This bizarre event made a good starting point for the story, but don’t worry—even in the opening title cards, they admit they are only using the real-life events as a jumping-off point, and it goes to some wild places reality never did.
The core of The Sticky is Ruth Landry, portrayed with an impressively complex performance by Margo Martindale. Ruth is a syrup farmer who, after her husband landed in a coma following a bad fall, faces the threat of losing her business and her home. Her character is both endearing and powerful, embodying the spirit of someone who refuses to back down in the face of adversity and who will do anything for those she loves. Martindale’s performance in The Sticky is, to put it bluntly, captivating, embodying Ruth’s resilience and wit as she navigates a world where syrup is serious business.
Of course, it would not be a heist movie without a crew, and for a strange caper like this, you will find yourself with an odd assortment of people to make it work. Joining Ruth on her quest are Remy (Guillaume Cyr), a well-meaning but dim-witted security guard, and Mike (Chris Diamantopoulos), a representative from a Boston crime family who sets most of the events into motion. The unlikely trio forms an alliance driven by desperation and dreams of something greater. Their dynamic is both darkly comedic and heartwarming, with each character bringing unique quirks to the table.
“Martindale’s performance in The Sticky is, to put it bluntly, captivating, embodying Ruth’s resilience and wit as she navigates a world where syrup is serious business.”
While this series could have been something silly and easily forgotten, The Sticky manages to be something special, with a perfect blend of chaos and heart. The show’s creators, Brian Donovan and Ed Herro, have crafted a narrative that draws comparisons to Breaking Bad and Fargo, yet it maintains a light-hearted tone even as it dives headfirst into murder, corruption and incompetence. The half-hour episodes are briskly paced, with just enough of a cliffhanger at the end of each to keep you craving more—the perfect recipe for a bingeable experience.
Living in Canada, the setting felt perfect for such a story. The Quebec setting adds an extra layer of charm to the show. With its eclectic French-Canadian soundtrack and playful cover versions, The Sticky fully embraces its cultural heritage, infusing energy into humorous discussions about pronunciation. This attention to detail enriches the viewing experience, immersing audiences in a world where maple syrup is both a commodity and a currency.
“The Sticky manages to be something special, with a perfect blend of chaos and heart.”
The Sticky shines in how it creates moments of absurdity without losing sight of its characters’ motivations or the seriousness of many of the events. The heist itself is depicted not as a high-stakes thriller but as an audacious plan fuelled by necessity and camaraderie. Despite how much the members of this crew differ on many aspects, they find common ground that builds the story and the overall feeling that makes their actions so relatable. It’s this blend of humour and humanity that makes The Sticky so engaging.
The cast works wonderfully together, making each moment captivating and engaging, so much so that they manage not to be overshadowed when Jamie Lee Curtis makes a cameo appearance toward the end of the series. Margo Martindale shines as Ruth, bringing depth and nuance to her role as a woman determined to protect her legacy. Guillaume Cyr’s portrayal of Remy adds an endearing innocence to the mix, while Chris Diamantopoulos infuses Mike with just enough silliness to keep things light-hearted.
The Sticky is a fantastic watch that manages to transform an absurd real-life event into something truly captivating. Its blend of quirky characters, clever writing and cultural nods makes it a standout addition to Prime Video’s lineup. For those seeking a break from traditional crime dramas, this series offers a delightful escape into a world where maple syrup reigns supreme.
