Directed by Rashad Frett and based on his own short film of the same name, Ricky is a story of resilience, reintegration, and personal transformation.
Stephan James stars as 30-year-old Ricky, newly released after being locked up in his teens, who has to navigate the challenging realities of life post-incarceration.
Also starring in the film are Sheryl Lee Ralph, Titus Welliver, Maliq Johnson, Imani Lewis, Simbi Kali, and Andrene Ward-Hammond.
Ricky made its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where Rashad Frett’s direction earned him the U.S. Dramatic Directing Award. It is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on March 20, 2026, courtesy of Blue Harbor Entertainment, hitting select markets including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and more.
Here is the official synopsis of Ricky: Newly released after being locked up in his teens, 30-year-old Ricky navigates the challenging realities of life post-incarceration, and the complexity of gaining independence for the first time as an adult.
Director Rashad Frett has spoken about the deeply personal inspiration behind the film and the lived experiences that shaped its authenticity. Reflecting on the project, Frett shared, “My biggest inspiration for making this film came from witnessing the struggles of some of my friends, family, and peers in my community as they tried to readjust after serving long sentences.”
Critical reception out of Sundance has highlighted the film’s realism and emotional impact. In a review from Awards Radar, the film is praised for being “anchored by a sense of empathy and realism” and for Stephan James’ compelling performance, writing, “It’s anchored by a sense of empathy and realism, as well as Stephen James’ strong turn. James alone makes this worth watching, but the Sundance film is overall pretty compelling.”
Watch the official trailer for Ricky, above.
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