Source: CBC News
The true story of one of Canada's most infamous heists is now a TV series, thanks to two Hollywood writers. The Sticky, created by Brian Donovan and Ed Herro, is inspired by the 2011-2012 theft of $18.7 million worth of maple syrup from a storage facility in Quebec. The crime captivated the nation and led to the conviction of five individuals.
Set to premiere on Amazon Prime this Friday, The Sticky has sparked a mixed reaction, particularly among those who feel Canadian filmmakers are struggling to compete in the streaming age. Some critics worry that with American giants like Amazon dominating the market, local creators might be left behind. Montreal-based film critic Justine Smith voiced concern over the influence of mega-corporations. "I do get nervous when a company like that says, 'Don’t worry, we’re going to take care of this,'" she said, pointing out the lack of accountability these companies have to local industries.
Smith, however, remains cautiously optimistic, noting that The Sticky features respected Quebec actors and was filmed with a local crew, offering an authentic portrayal of the region. "It’s so rare to see Canadian stories brought to a wider audience outside our borders," she said, adding that the show's dark humor and plot make it perfect for television.
The series follows Ruth Landry, a fictional maple syrup farmer played by Margo Martindale, who orchestrates a scheme to steal syrup from bureaucrats threatening her farm. She enlists the help of a security guard (played by Quebec actor Guillaume Cyr) and a mobster (Chris Diamantopoulos from Toronto) in a caper reminiscent of the Coen Brothers' Fargo. Cyr played a pivotal role in assembling the cast, bringing in local talent like Guy Nadon, who portrays the head of Quebec’s maple syrup empire. He emphasized the show's authenticity, saying, "You really get that French Canadian vibe."
Margo Martindale as Ruth Landry in a scene from The Sticky. (Jan Thijs)
Martindale, who is originally from Texas, took great care in perfecting her "Canadian" accent for the role, a process she embraced given her love for Canada. The series also features Hollywood star Jamie Lee Curtis, who serves as an executive producer and appears in two episodes.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government is working on new rules to ensure American streaming services contribute to the local film industry. These companies currently don’t have the same obligations as traditional broadcasters to support Canadian content.
Jamie Lee Curtis in a scene from The Sticky. (Jan Thijs )The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) recently proposed that streaming services contribute five percent of their Canadian revenues to support domestic broadcasting. While the details of these rules are still being debated, Canadian industry leaders like Dave Forget, executive director of the Directors Guild of Canada, view collaborations like The Sticky as a positive sign. "There is an interest among the streamers in getting into business with those Canadian companies, and we think that’s great," Forget said.
