Citizen Gangster

Edwin Boyd, portrayed by Scott Speedman, is a disillusioned World War II veteran who trudges through a mundane existence as a bus driver in Toronto, struggling to make ends meet. The only glimmer of hope in his bleak life comes from his wife, Doreen, played by Kelly Reilly, whom he met in England during the war, alongside their two young children. Boyd’s dreams of achieving stardom in Hollywood are incessantly undermined by his retired policeman father (Brian Cox), who serves as a constant reminder that his ambitions may be unattainable. As desperation creeps in, Boyd decides to take matters into his own hands; he dons a disguise and acquires an old pistol, leading him to commit a bank robbery. This fateful act sets in motion a series of events that would come to define one of Canada’s most notorious crime sprees.

As the Boyd Gang is formed, the group includes Lenny Jackson, brought to life by Kevin Durand, Ann Roberts (Melanie Scrofano), and Val Kozak (Joseph Cross). Tensions between Boyd and Jackson escalate as they both navigate the challenges of post-war life. Their backgrounds as war veterans create a unique bond between them, characterized not just by camaraderie but also by the fraternal ties forged through shared experiences in battle. While Jackson’s physical demeanor exhibits his hardened nature, it is Boyd’s undeniable charisma that attracts media attention, complicating their dynamics.

Val Kozak is drawn deeper into the chaos of the gang’s operations. His struggle to support his young wife and family collides with an extramarital affair with Mary Mitchell (Charlotte Sullivan), a captivating woman who thrives on the glitz of high-society parties and indulgent lifestyles. This entanglement reveals Val as a layered character, burdened by past insecurities and a profound yearning for love and recognition.

On the other side of the law stands Detective Rhys (William Mapother), a steadfast family man who embodies law enforcement’s relentless pursuit. He approaches his duties with grave seriousness and is always one step ahead of the Boyd Gang, working to bring their illicit activities to an end.

As Edwin’s marriage with Doreen starts to crumble under the strain of his criminal endeavors, the truth becomes clear: the weight of his choices and the harsh reality of his new life threaten to unravel everything he once held dear. What began as a quest to provide for his family and reclaim his manhood has transformed into a spiraling descent filled with peril and regret.

Last Updated: November 22, 2024 at 11:28