White Boy Rick

White Boy Rick 2018

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of White Boy Rick (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


The story unfolds in 1986 at a gun show in Toledo, Ohio, where Rick Wershe Jr. (Richie Merritt), a teenage enthusiast, is inspecting AK-47 rifles. During a deal with the vendor, he uncovers that the firearms differ from the claimed Russian variants, leading to a successful bluff with his father, Richard Wershe Sr. (Matthew McConaughey), that earns them a discount. Upon returning to their home in Detroit, Michigan, the dynamics of their household are revealed as Richard, a small-time arms dealer with aspirations of running a video rental store, navigates their family’s chaos with Rick trailing behind him.

Their life takes a turn when, upon arriving home, they discover Dawn (Bel Powley), Rick’s sister, in a compromising situation with her boyfriend, Ty. The uncomfortable family drama intensifies when their grandparents witness the unfolding scene, leading to a lighter moment as they all go out for custard.

Later, as Richard works on crafting silencers, he shares insights about “up-selling” with Rick. This new knowledge leads Rick to successfully sell the AKs to local gang members, gaining respect from their leader, Johnny Curry (Jonathan Majors). However, Rick’s journey into the gang realm signifies a shift in his teenage life, fueled by parties and roller skating nights amid the atmosphere of danger and corruption.

When Rick’s sister Dawn decides to leave home for Ty, trouble looms when the FBI begins to investigate Richard, revealing a connection between their arms deals and the gang’s illicit activities. Agents Alex and Frank confront Richard about the consequences of his actions, pushing Rick into a corner where he unwittingly reveals more than he intends.

The stakes rise when Rick finds himself coerced into cooperating with the FBI, agreeing to make drug purchases to assist in their investigations. As he delves deeper into the underbelly of the drug world, Rick begins selling cocaine, leading to a surge in his lifestyle. His affiliation with the gang allows him to enjoy new experiences, including his attendance at Curry’s wedding to Cathy, and ensuing chaos following a boxing event in Las Vegas.

Tragedy strikes when a drive-by shooting, involving a young boy’s death, turns public scrutiny toward the gang. As law enforcement closes in, Rick’s life spirals further out of control—culminating in a stab wound inflicted by a fellow gang member, trailing him into a hospital stay that alters his trajectory.

Upon recovering, Rick’s entanglements only grow, with dreams of providing a better life for his family leading him into deeper involvement with the drug trade, culminating in a clash of family responsibility and criminal life. The twist of fate comes when Rick learns of his daughter, Keisha, born to his crush, Brenda.

His relationship with Curry’s wife, Cathy, complicates matters further when the FBI sets a sting operation, resulting in Rick’s arrest for drug possession. Despite the hope of reduced sentencing, Rick is ultimately sentenced to life in prison, with his father confronting the brutal reality of their failed dreams.

Fast forward, and Dawn and Richard visit Rick in prison. Through heartfelt exchanges, the weight of lost time and opportunity is palpable. Over three decades pass, during which Rick becomes known for having the longest prison term for a non-violent offender in Michigan. His release in 2017 introduces a bittersweet conclusion to his story—a reunion with his family, who have moved forward.

As the credits roll, a poignant recording of the real Rick Wershe Jr. echoes, emphasizing his enduring sense of hope despite the tumultuous past, showcasing that even in confinement, the spirit of resilience shines bright.

Timeline

Track the key events of White Boy Rick (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Gun Show in Toledo

In 1986, the story begins at a gun show in Toledo, Ohio, where Rick Wershe Jr., a teenage gun enthusiast, is inspecting AK-47 rifles. During a deal, he realizes that the firearms differ from what the vendor claims, leading him to successfully bluff for a discount with his father.

1986 Toledo, Ohio

Family Dynamics Unravel

Upon returning home to Detroit, Michigan, the Wershe family dynamics come to light. Rick's father, Richard, is a struggling arms dealer aspiring to open a video rental store, revealing the chaos within their household as Rick follows in his father's footsteps.

Detroit, Michigan

Uncomfortable Family Scene

The family atmosphere becomes tense when Rick discovers his sister, Dawn, in a compromising situation with her boyfriend, Ty. When their grandparents arrive, the discomfort peaks, but they briefly lighten the mood with a trip for custard.

Wershe Family Home

Father-Son Business Lessons

Later, Richard imparts his knowledge about 'up-selling' to Rick while working on crafting silencers. This lesson pays off as Rick successfully sells AK-47s to local gang members, earning respect from their leader, Johnny Curry.

Detroit, Michigan

Rick Enters the Gang Life

As Rick delves deeper into the gang culture, he finds himself enjoying new experiences, including parties and roller skating nights. However, the excitement is tinged with danger as he becomes entwined with the gang's illicit activities.

Detroit, Michigan

FBI Investigation Begins

Trouble brews when Dawn decides to leave home for Ty, prompting the FBI to investigate Richard's connections with the gang. Agents Alex and Frank confront Richard, leading to a tense moment where Rick inadvertently reveals information.

Detroit, Michigan

Cooperation with the FBI

Under pressure, Rick is coerced into cooperating with the FBI, agreeing to make drug purchases to help their investigation. This decision catapults him into the dangerous world of drug dealing, further altering his teenage life.

Detroit, Michigan

Involvement in Drug Trade

As Rick dives deeper into the drug industry, he begins selling cocaine, leading to a significant lifestyle change. His association with the gang also brings him into key events, like attending Johnny Curry's wedding, showcasing the chaos that ensues.

Detroit, Michigan

Tragedy Strikes

A drive-by shooting claiming the life of a young boy casts a shadow over the gang, prompting scrutiny. As law enforcement closes in, Rick's life spirals further out of control, leading to a violent altercation with a gang member.

Detroit, Michigan

Hospital Stay and Reflection

Following a stab wound from a fellow gang member, Rick finds himself in the hospital, where he must confront the harsh realities of his choices. This moment of reflection marks a turning point in his tumultuous journey.

Hospital in Detroit, Michigan

Responsibility and Consequences

Once recovered, Rick's desire to support his family leads him deeper into the drug world. He grapples with the challenge of balancing family responsibilities with the pull of his criminal life, leading to critical decisions.

Detroit, Michigan

Discovering His Daughter

Amidst his struggles, Rick learns that he has a daughter named Keisha, born to his crush, Brenda. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to Rick's already tumultuous life, intensifying his sense of responsibility.

Detroit, Michigan

FBI Sting Operation

As Rick's relationship with Curry's wife, Cathy, grows more complicated, the FBI orchestrates a sting operation resulting in his arrest. Despite hopes for leniency, Rick faces serious consequences as his criminal activities catch up with him.

Detroit, Michigan

Life Sentence

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Rick is sentenced to life in prison for drug possession. As his father confronts the reality of their shattered dreams, Rick's future seems bleak as he becomes known as a long-term inmate.

Michigan Prison

Bittersweet Reunion

Fast forward to 2017, after over three decades in prison, Rick is finally released. His reunion with family is bittersweet, as they reflect on the lost time while he retains a sense of resilience, evidenced by a recording that echoes his enduring hope.

2017 Michigan

Characters

Meet the characters that bring White Boy Rick (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Rick Wershe Jr.

Rick is a teenager who inadvertently becomes embroiled in the world of crime. Driven by a desire for acceptance and a better life, he evolves from a naive boy to a hardened participant in the drug trade. Ultimately, his choices lead to profound consequences for himself and his family.

👦 Teenager ⚡ Risk-taker 🎲 Innocent

Richard Wershe Sr.

Richard is depicted as a struggling arms dealer caught between his illicit aspirations and family obligations. His ambition clouds his judgment, contributing to the family's chaotic circumstances. His relationship with Rick reflects the complexities of parental influence and the burden of failed dreams.

👨‍👦 Father 💼 Ambitious 🔫 Arms Dealer

Dawn Wershe

Dawn is Rick's sister, navigating her own tumultuous teenage years amidst family turmoil. Her relationship choices lead to significant family disruption, showcasing the impact of adolescence on family dynamics. She embodies the complexities of youth in a fractured home.

👧 Sister 💔 Troubled Youth 🌪️ Complexity

Johnny 'Lil Man' Curry

Johnny serves as a pivotal figure in Rick's descent into the criminal world. Charismatic and dangerous, he commands respect within the gang culture. His relationship with Rick highlights the allure of gang life and the ensuing moral conflicts faced by young individuals drawn into it.

⚡ Gang Leader 🔥 Charismatic 🌌 Dangerous

Setting

Uncover the settings of White Boy Rick (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

1986, 2017

The main events unfold in 1986, a time marked by rising gang violence and drug culture in America. It captures the essence of a youthful recklessness amidst community decay and family strife. The story culminates in 2017, reflecting on years lost to incarceration and the changes in society.

Location

Toledo, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan, Las Vegas

The movie is set in Toledo, Ohio, where Rick Wershe Jr. first explores the world of firearms. It transitions to Detroit, Michigan, showcasing a family struggling within the chaos of an underworld filled with crime and aspiration. Las Vegas serves as a contrasting backdrop, representing the allure and dangers of a vibrant lifestyle tied to illegal activities.

🏙️ Cities 🌆 Urban Life

Themes

Explore the core themes of White Boy Rick (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


⚖️

Justice

The theme of justice pervades the narrative, exploring the consequences of crime and the legal system's response. Rick's journey illustrates the harsh realities faced by those caught in the cyclical nature of crime and punishment. It raises questions about morality, responsibility, and redemption.

💔

Family Struggles

Family dynamics are central to the story, highlighting love, betrayal, and the impact of choices on family bonds. Rick's aspirations versus his family's chaotic lifestyle create a poignant backdrop of familial obligation and disappointment. The emotional toll of these struggles is evident throughout their interactions.

💊

Crime and Consequence

The film delves into the dangerous allure of crime, particularly through Rick's seduction into the drug trade. It examines the highs and lows of his involvement with gang life, juxtaposing moments of thrill against the resulting chaos and devastation. Consequences are stark, impacting both Rick and his family.

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