Ricky

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2:26

Ricky

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1h 49m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

89%

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36 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

After spending half his life behind bars, 30-year-old Ricky struggles to adjust to a world that's moved on without him. As he searches for purpose, old patterns resurface that threaten a future that once felt out of reach.

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Critics Consensus

Anchored by Stephan James' soulful performance and Rashad Frett's assured direction, Ricky is a raw, empathetic, and quietly powerful parable that delivers a moving gut punch through its realistic portrayal of life after incarceration.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

Mar 19

3/4

James gives a phenomenal performance that will shatter you.

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Dwight Brown

DwightBrownInk.com

02/26/2025

2.5/4

Inobtrusive directing. Like you’re hanging out with the good and bad angels on Ricky’s shoulder.

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Jacob Oller

AV Club

01/31/2025

C

A blunt film that’s best when investing in the day-to-day textures and pain points experienced by someone in Ricky’s shoes.

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Beandrea July

FilmWeek (LAist)

May 6

It's a movie that really makes you think, but also makes you really feel for someone who clearly was on the wrong path, and you hope he can make it onto a better one.

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Stephen Silver

The SS Ben Hecht

Apr 30

Ricky is a thought-provoking movie about what happens when a man gets out, never having known freedom as an adult.

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

Apr 25

The last 15 minutes of the gritty drama Ricky are a little too rushed and oversimplified. However, Stephan James gives a talented performance as a 30-year-old man who spent half of his life in prison and is adjusting to life after prison.

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Dream

May 1

This movie was so good. Didnt want it to end.

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MSV

Apr 30

The film was spectacular, blending laughter, tears, and suspense into a total drama with consistently credible and gripping performances that stand out, especially from the leads, whose naturality and chemistry shine while supporting characters add depth and relief when appropriate. The direction is effective, maintaining a rhythm that shifts between intense scenes and quiet moments, and the production—cinematography, sound design, and key scenes—intensifies the emotions. The tone achieves a notable balance between comedy, drama, and suspense, with well-timed humorous beats to keep the dramatic weight from feeling overwhelming and well-executed twists that sustain the intrigue. All told, it moves and entertains, delivering memorable moments and a cinematic experience worth recommending with enthusiasm if you enjoyed this mix of humor, drama, and tension, you’re likely to enjoy it on a second viewing and to share it with friends seeking a complete and impactful story.

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Clarissa Cherie

Apr 25

Outstanding film! Very real! Gut-wrenching performances!

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Jim O.

Apr 25

Gripping story of a young man adjusting to the outside after a lengthy jail sentence. Stephan James in intense as the lead Ricky and he drives the story with his authentic performance. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Titus Welliver are excellent as authority figures in Ricky's new world. Simbi Khali as Ricky's mother almost steals the show, a superb performance among many others. Director Rashad Frett won the Best Director at Sundance and it was well deserved.

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B.R.

Apr 25

The production of the movie was great. Good movie overall! Definitely check it out.

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Chimetria

May 10

Although, not one theater is listed for Ricky (2026). This movie will get 5 stars daily!!! Will ne contacting all production companies as well as posting on social media!!!

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Rashad Frett

Director

Stephan James

Ricardo Smith

Sheryl Lee Ralph

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Ricky: Trailer 1

2:26

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Synopsis

After spending half his life behind bars, 30-year-old Ricky struggles to adjust to a world that's moved on without him. As he searches for purpose, old patterns resurface that threaten a future that once felt out of reach.

Director: Rashad Frett
Producer: Pierre M. Coleman, Simon Taufique, Rashad Frett, Sterling Brim, D.C. Wade, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Josh Peters, Mark Steele
Screenwriter: Lin Que Ayoung, Rashad Frett
Distributor: Blue Harbor Entertainment
Production Co: Silver Brim Media, The deNovo Initiative, Parliament of Owls, Spark Features, Bay Mills Studios, Good Gravy Films, Ossetra Films
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 24, 2026, Limited
Runtime: 1h 49m