McCanick: A Ride Through The Shadows

Ah, McCanick. So, I watched this intense little gem the other night, and let me tell you, it was a bit like eating surströmming for the very first time—strange, a bit overwhelming, but altogether hard to forget. McCanick is directed by Josh C. Waller, who isn’t a household name just yet, but he’s definitely got some interesting ideas rolling around in his head. And with David Morse leading the charge, you know you’re in for a performance that’s rugged and raw.

Now, Morse as Eugene “Mack” McCanick is something of a storm in a teacup—dude’s got layers, you know? Reminded me a bit of a Swedish detective who’s been around the block a few times, carrying heavy secrets that shadow every move he makes. And then there’s Cory Monteith in one of his final roles, playing a troubled young man. Imagine seeing someone you remember from lighter roles suddenly come at you with such grit. It’s quite the switch, like biting into a kanelbulle only to find it’s salted instead of sweet.

But let’s talk plot. It’s a day in the chaotic life of this grizzled detective, chasing through Philadelphia on a mission that quickly spirals outta control. There are moments when the city feels like a character itself, vibing with this urban urgency that you almost feel on your skin. And though it’s not a perfect film – some elements feel a bit jagged, like a jigsaw puzzle missing a few pieces – it does pack a punch.

Now, it reminded me of a trip I made to Stockholm once, on an early October morning. The air was crisp, and the city felt alive in this kind of gritty, electric way. Watching McCanick is like breathing that air – complex and slightly biting but really unforgettable.

So if you’re in the mood for something that’s got a bit of an edge and you’re okay with riding through some darkness, give McCanick a spin. It might just surprise you, like a Swedish winter afternoon suddenly bursting into sunlight.

Check the trailer below