Cory Monteith’s Posthumous Drama ‘McCanick’ Gets Distribution At TIFF

Cory Monteith has left a bit of a legacy in the wake of his death. It was especially felt this week during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, where two of his films screened. It was a festival that would bring Monteith’s return to his home, but instead it was a reminder that his life was cut incredibly too short, especially when he had more sides of himself to show as an actor. Today it was reported that one of those films, McCanick, got picked up for distribution at the festival.

Monteith’s film McCanick has been receiving solid reviews, and despite his short appearance in the film, his presence is definitely felt. As we reported in the past McCanick sees Monteith as Simon Weeks, a teenage criminal slash street hustler who is released from prison.

It’s no surprise that distribution was picked up after the film’s screening at the festival. After all, Monteith’s performance has been receiving spectacular reviews. US Weekly magazine called Monteith’s performance daring:

“The sweetness that endeared him to Glee fans still lurks within this character. And he uses it to his advantage during crucial plot twists. As troubled as he is, you are rooting for him to make it out alive. It’s a fine, daring performance.”

The Guardian stated about Monteith’s presence in McCanick:

“Monteith doesn’t have to do much – largely just act adversarial to cops – but he does it well. The occasional moment of bitter condescension in his voice seems to cast some small light on where Weeks has come from.”

Variety’s Andrew Barked notes about Monteith’s performance as a street hustler: “A sad grace note indicating that the star was both able and willing to expand his acting parameters.”

Well Go USA has acquired the rights in the U.S. to the police drama. Although terms of the deal were not readily available, it is said McCanick will be released in early 2014. The film is directed by Josh C. Waller and co-stars David Morse and Ciaran Hinds.