White Boy Rick

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.