White Boy Rick 2018
"In 1980s Detroit, Ricky Wersche Jr. was a street hustler, FBI informant and drug kingpin—all before he turned 16."
In the gritty streets of 1980s Detroit, *White Boy Rick (2018)* dives into the extraordinary true story of Ricky "White Boy Rick" Wershe Jr., a teenage prodigy who navigated the dangerous intersection of crime and law enforcement.
Director: Yann Demange
Cast
Matthew McConaughey
Richard Wershe Sr.
Richie Merritt
Richard 'Ricky' Wershe Jr.
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Alex Snyder
Bel Powley
Dawn Wershe
RJ Cyler
Rudell Boo Curry
Rory Cochrane
Agent Byrd
Eddie Marsan
Art Derrick
Bruce Dern
Grandpa Roman Wershe
Piper Laurie
Grandma Verna Wershe
Brian Tyree Henry
Detective Jackson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is White Boy Rick (2018) about?
*White Boy Rick* follows the real-life story of Ricky Wershe Jr., a 15-year-old who became a police informant in 1980s Detroit. His involvement with law enforcement quickly spiraled into a life of drug trafficking, leading to a life sentence at just 17. The film examines his rise, fall, and the complex relationships that shaped his fate.
Who directed White Boy Rick?
Yann Demange directed *White Boy Rick*. Known for gritty, character-driven stories like *'71*, Demange crafts a tense, atmospheric portrait of Detroit's underworld.
Who stars in White Boy Rick?
The film features Matthew McConaughey, Richie Merritt, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bel Powley, and RJ Cyler in key roles.
Is White Boy Rick (2018) worth watching?
If you love crime dramas based on true stories, *White Boy Rick* is a gripping pick. With strong performances and a compelling real-life narrative, it's a tense ride—though its bleak tone may not suit all viewers. Fans of *The Wolf of Wall Street* or *Boyz n the Hood* will find plenty to appreciate.
How long is White Boy Rick?
*White Boy Rick* has a runtime of 111 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About White Boy Rick (2018) — A True Story of Crime, Fathers, and Fate in 1980s Detroit
In the gritty streets of 1980s Detroit, *White Boy Rick (2018)* dives into the extraordinary true story of Ricky "White Boy Rick" Wershe Jr., a teenage prodigy who navigated the dangerous intersection of crime and law enforcement. Directed by Yann Demange, the film follows Wershe's rapid rise from a street-savvy hustler to an undercover FBI informant, only to spiral into a life of drug trafficking that lands him behind bars for life. With a raw, unflinching lens, *White Boy Rick* explores themes of ambition, survival, and the blurred lines between right and wrong in a city on the brink of collapse.
Matthew McConaughey stars as Wershe's father, a flawed but determined figure caught in the same turbulent world, while newcomer Richie Merritt delivers a stunning performance as the titular Rick. The film's tense atmosphere crackles with neon-soaked nightclubs, backroom deals, and the relentless pursuit of power, all set against Detroit's economic decay. A gripping crime drama, *White Boy Rick* isn't just a tale of crime—it's a cautionary story about the cost of growing up too fast in a city where loyalty is a luxury.
