RASHID
A 22-year-old university student who is shy, humble, and intelligent, Rashid is on track to become a certified Telecommunications Engineer. He has a strong interest in electronics, communications, video games, and gadgets. Like his classmates, he receives an assignment to document his surroundings, which unexpectedly exposes him to a world filled with violence, drugs, and the wrong people to get involved with. Spending time with his friends Jay and Michael pulls him deeper into this dangerous world. Rashid feels a need to prove his worth, hoping some of Jay and Michael’s confidence will rub off on him. With a sick mother who needs his support, he often neglects his studies to spend time with his friends, leading to a journey of self-discovery where he learns to handle himself in high-stakes situations.
JAY
Humble and caring, Jay’s main goal is to make enough money to return to Chicago and reunite with his child. Struggling with bills, rent, and child support, he becomes increasingly drawn to shortcuts for easy money, especially under the influence of his friend Michael. Jay often follows Michael’s lead, even when it takes him down morally questionable paths. He begins as a good-hearted man, but his desperation and desire to escape his circumstances gradually pull him into a darker world.
MICHAEL
A raw, commanding presence, Michael emerges from prison with a chip on his shoulder and a reputation to uphold. He embodies the reckless spirit of rebellion, living life on the edge, fuelled by a mix of bravado and desperation. With a history of violence, he’s unflinching in his pursuit of power and control, often pushing his friends to engage in dangerous escapades. Michael is a master manipulator, effortlessly bending others to his will, particularly Jay, who looks to him for guidance despite the risks. His fierce loyalty to his girlfriend, Kat, masks a vulnerability born from a chaotic past. Michael’s love for her is intense, driving him to secure a future together, even as he descends deeper into a world rife with crime. As ambition propels him forward, he faces the harsh realities of his choices, navigating a path of moral decline and danger. In a world where survival is paramount, he struggles to hold on to the life he desires while caught up with the wrong crowd.
KAT
A mysterious and alluring figure, Kat is a woman driven by her insatiable desire for money and power. Her charm is often a mask for her ruthless ambition, making her both captivating and dangerous. In a world where trust is scarce, Kat’s self-reliance is her greatest asset, allowing her to navigate the treacherous waters of her environment with cunning and guile. Although she is Michael’s girlfriend, her emotional distance raises questions about her true feelings, and her motivations remain shrouded in secrecy. Kat is fiercely independent, relying on her wits and street smarts to survive, often manipulating those around her to achieve her goals. Her ruthless pursuit of wealth leads her to make decisions that could endanger not only herself but also those closest to her. As she becomes entwined in Michael’s chaotic life, the line between love and manipulation blurs, leaving the audience to wonder how far she will go to secure her own future.
HAILEY
A complex character marked by vulnerability and resilience, Hailey is a woman seeking connection in a world that has consistently let her down. Having lost her parents at a young age and raised in an abusive environment, she struggles with feelings of worthlessness and a deep-seated belief that true love is out of reach. Currently an escort, she navigates the dark underbelly of her world, presenting a façade of confidence while hiding her emotional scars. Her relationship with Jay complicates her life further; while she plays the role of the devoted girlfriend, her motives are deeply intertwined with self-preservation and manipulation. Hailey’s journey is one of survival, as she wrestles with her desire for love and the harsh realities of her existence. As the film unfolds, her duality—caring yet cunning—creates an unpredictable dynamic, leaving the audience to question where her loyalties truly lie.
BIG T
A menacing figure in the film’s underworld, Big T operates as the primary orchestrator of drug trafficking between the more affluent Sector 9 and the perilous Sector 18. Ruthless and demanding, he commands respect through intimidation and a reputation for violence. He embodies the dangers lurking in the shadows of the city, serving as a constant reminder of the risks that Rashid, Jay, and Michael inadvertently invite into their lives. Big T’s imposing presence and sharp instincts make him a formidable antagonist, as he navigates a world where betrayal can come from anywhere. His ambition to maintain control and expand his empire drives the tension throughout the film, creating a sense of urgency and danger that looms over the main characters. Big T’s relentless pursuit of power and his unpredictable nature contribute to the film’s gritty atmosphere, challenging the protagonists in ways they never anticipated.
DETECTIVE GUY LAVIGNE
A seasoned detective with 25 years of experience, Guy Lavigne embodies the complex morality of law enforcement in a city riddled with crime. He walks the thin line between justice and corruption, having succumbed to the temptations of the very world he is supposed to police. While he presents himself as a reliable officer to the public, his involvement in the drug trade reveals a darker side, as he skims money meant for evidence and develops a dangerous addiction. Lavigne speaks Canadian French, and while he converses with other characters in English, his bilingualism adds an extra layer of authenticity to his role. His character serves as a haunting reminder of the pervasive influence of crime in the city, complicating Rashid, Jay, and Michael’s already precarious situation.
