Writer/director Seanie Sugrue has assembled quite the impressive cast for Sticky. The comedic thriller features Johnny Whitworth, Amanda Jones, Jake Weber, Vanessa Angel, and John Keating, along with a plethora of other well-known and up-and-coming actors. What was it about this script or the filmmaker’s vision that attracted such talent?
Personal trainer Bruce (Whitworth) goes to the home of Cary Ann (Jones) to return her wallet. She’s a little distant at first, but softens toward the good-looking chap after it is explained that it was he who saved her from the Hollywood Hills Killer. The serial killer has been terrorizing Los Angeles for a short time, but the police have precious few clues as to the murderer’s identity. But by combining their knowledge of the day Bruce saved Cary Ann, as well as information from the personal trainer’s client Ralph (Drew Powell), the two think they know who the killer is.
While all that is going on, Roddy (Damian O’Hare) is venting to his AA sponsor, Don (Weber). He’s steamed over getting divorced from Cary Ann, only for the 19-year-old stripper he cheated on her with to cheat on him. Television reporter Debbie (Angel) and camera operator Joey (Phil Burke) are driving all over L.A. following the trail of the serial killer. All roads lead to Sticky (Keating), a homeless papier-mâché artist who Bruce recalls seeing running past him as he was approaching Cary Ann slumped on the pavement.
The best satire has an element of admiration or adoration for the source of its mockery. Sticky is a biting satire if one ever existed. It is not that Sugrue dislikes L.A., but he knows that in a city full of dreamers, some of those dreams are dark and can infect others. In that way, aside from Sticky, all the characters have positive and negative attributes. Bruce is well-intentioned but rushes to conclusions. Cary Ann trusts the wrong people, but it is because she wants to see the good in everyone. Roddy is an alcoholic who cannot take responsibility, but he does want to do what is right. Debbie insults Joey all the time, but she does it “nicely.” The comedy comes in the absurd ways the characters’ traits rub against each other, though the filmmaker never lets anyone become a cartoon (with one exception, but no spoilers).
Sticky (John Keating) stands alone in the desert as the sun sets behind him in Sticky.
“…combining their knowledge of the day Bruce saved Cary Ann…the two think they know who the killer is.”
That isn’t to suggest Sugrue ignores the thriller aspect in favor of the humor. While comedy is at the forefront, the director generates tension with ease. He uses flashbacks nicely to fill in what happened to Cary Ann, which sets the stakes high. The identity of the killer is not readily apparent, but there are enough hints laid out during the 94-minute runtime to piece it all together. The downside here is that the explanation of a specific incident feels rushed. I know how vague that is, but I am trying not to spoil things.
The cast of Sticky is brilliant across the board. Jones is sweet and easy to like. Whitworth is charming and fun. Angel is so damn funny. O’Hare plays the loser with nothing to lose very well. Weber gets a few speeches that he delivers pitch-perfectly. Keating almost walks away with the entire film, bringing energy and pizzazz to what could have been a boring role.
Finally, Tim Schmalz’s score is amazing. Whether the scene is funny or intense, the music accompanies the mood in all the right ways. The pounding music of the opening digging sequence instantly captures audiences’ attention. The cinematography also adds to the immediate appeal of the film.
Sticky is funny and thrilling in equal measure. Sugrue’s screenplay is whip-smart and biting. His direction is intense yet fun. The actors are all sublime and deliver engaging performances from start to finish. While the motivation behind one action, which is critical to the story, is not explored enough to work, the narrative is interesting and keeps one’s attention without breaking a sweat.
For more information about Sticky, visit the Locked In The Attic Productions site.
"…funny and thrilling in equal measure."
