Maple Syrup Mayhem: Amazon's 'The Sticky' – A Hilarious Heist Inspired by a Real-Life Canadian Caper
It took a pair of Hollywood writers, Brian Donovan and Ed Herro, to bring a legendary Canadian heist story to the screen. Their creation, The Sticky, is a six-episode dark comedy loosely based on the 2011-2012 theft of $18.7 million worth of maple syrup from a Quebec storage facility. This audacious crime, which sent five individuals to jail, has now been transformed into a captivating television series, premiering on Amazon Prime.
The Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist: A Sweet Story Gone Sour
The real-life inspiration for The Sticky is a bizarre tale of meticulously planned thievery. In late 2011 and early 2012, thieves systematically pilfered nearly 3,000 tonnes of maple syrup, valued at a staggering $18.7 million CAD, from a warehouse managed by the Fédération des producteurs acéricoles du Québec (FPAQ). The thieves employed a clever strategy: they used trucks to transport barrels, siphoning off the syrup at a remote sugar shack, replacing it with water, and returning the barrels to the warehouse. This was initially undetected, until a routine inventory check revealed the shocking truth. The subsequent investigation led to the arrest of 26 individuals, including ringleader Richard Vallière, who was eventually sentenced to eight years imprisonment and a hefty fine.
A Fictional Twist on a Real Crime
While The Sticky draws inspiration from the actual heist, it takes significant creative liberties. The show's creators, Donovan and Herro, consciously chose not to replicate the events precisely, instead using the real-life crime as a springboard for a fictional narrative. The characters are entirely fictional, and the pace of the heist is drastically altered for dramatic effect. The real-life heist was slow and methodical; in the show, the action is far more compressed and thrilling. This creative approach allows the series to blend elements of crime drama and dark comedy with a comedic tone, providing an engaging and entertaining viewing experience.
A Canadian Story Told by Hollywood: A Double-Edged Sword
The involvement of an American streaming giant like Amazon in telling a quintessentially Canadian story has sparked debate among Canadian filmmakers. While the influx of American funding is undeniably beneficial for Canadian productions, some worry about the potential for American companies to overshadow Canadian talent and voices. Montreal-based film critic Justine Smith captures this sentiment perfectly: "I do get a little nervous when a mega corporation...is like, 'OK, don't worry, we're going to take care of this.' Because they're not really accountable to us at all." The series' creators, however, have attempted to address these concerns by actively hiring a primarily Canadian cast and crew, shooting in Quebec, and incorporating local input to ensure an authentic Quebecois feel. This collaborative approach offers a blend of perspectives which enhances the story's integrity and enriches the viewing experience. Indeed, actor Guillaume Cyr, who plays the security guard Remy, expressed his pride in the project and how well it reflects his home province.
The Importance of Collaboration between American and Canadian Filmmakers
The success of The Sticky could also potentially serve as a model for future collaborations between American and Canadian productions. Dave Forget, executive director of the Directors Guild of Canada, sees Amazon's involvement as a positive sign: "We're seeing with The Sticky and with other productions that there is an interest among the streamers in getting into business with those Canadian companies, and we think that's great." This sentiment is echoed by Canadian writer and director Kelly Fyffe-Marshall who emphasizes the significance of foreign investment in bolstering the Canadian film industry, but stresses the necessity of building up domestic funding for true self-sufficiency.
A Sticky Situation: More Than Just a Heist
Beyond the thrilling heist plot, The Sticky delves into the characters' motivations and inner conflicts. Margo Martindale delivers a captivating performance as Ruth Landry, a fictional maple syrup farmer driven to desperate measures by circumstances beyond her control. She is supported by an equally compelling cast, including Guillaume Cyr and Chris Diamantopoulos. The show successfully blends the dark comedic elements with realistic portrayals of complex characters, and their individual struggles, resulting in a nuanced and thought-provoking experience for viewers. The show's writers, notably, intended to depict their protagonists not as comedic figures, but as individuals grappling with serious, real-life issues; the humor, then, is an emergent product of their attempts to overcome these obstacles. The addition of Hollywood legend Jamie Lee Curtis as executive producer further adds to the show's appeal. As it explores themes of desperation, resilience, and the clash between individuals and powerful institutions, The Sticky extends beyond the genre of a simple crime caper. The writers themselves have stated that the series has only explored about one-fifth of the story they wish to convey, thus hinting at many more seasons to come.
The series showcases not only the talent of Canadian actors and the unique charm of Quebec, but also shines a light on the struggles faced by Canadian filmmakers. The show serves as a testament to the potential for cross-border collaborations in the film industry, while also promoting essential discussions about the role of American streamers in supporting Canadian content. The production highlights the captivating potential for creative storytelling; as the narrative blends the absurd with the relatable, it serves as an example for other projects aiming to blend dark comedy and social commentary.
