White Boy Rick

Set in 1980s Detroit, White Boy Rick follows Richard Wershe Jr., a quick-witted teenager who becomes an undercover helper for the police, trading information on local drug networks. His talents get him close to both cops and street players, letting him skate along the edge of two dangerous worlds. As the city battles a crack crisis, Ricky's dual roles pull his family into a tense, high-stakes game where loyalties blur and the line between informant and criminal grows hazy. The story centers on a boy trying to survive while caught between adult schemes and the consequences that follow. The film anchors Ricky's emotional arc in a strained bond with his father and sister, while law enforcement pressure tightens. As choices tighten, the movie keeps a tight pace that grounds its 1980s Detroit backdrop.

Directed by Yann Demange, with a screenplay by Noah Miller, Logan Miller and Andy Weiss, White Boy Rick frames the real life story of Richard Wershe Jr. as a tense coming of age set against Detroit's crack era.

The film grossed about 25.96 million worldwide on a 29 million budget, reflecting a modest box office for a drama led by Matthew McConaughey. It found audiences mainly in the United States and select international markets.

Culturally the film doesn't spark widespread memes or catchphrases, yet it provides a stark period portrait with strong performances that linger with viewers. McConaughey's smoky presence and Merritt's uneasy confidence underscore the tension between family loyalty and the temptations of crime even after multiple rewatches.

Reception was mixed, with critics praising the restrained tone and the focus on a troubled home life while noting uneven pacing and tonal shifts. The film looks at themes of ambition, the cost of secrecy, and what it takes to protect loved ones when the system itself is corrupt and unforgiving.