In the 1970s, Canadian stunt driver Ken Carter drew attention for his ambitious plan to jump a rocket-powered car across the St. Lawrence River, aiming to travel from Morrisburg, Ontario, to Ogden Island, New York. This feat, emblematic of a time when crossing the Canada–United States border was less regulated, forms the backdrop of the newly released film "The Stunt Driver."

Directed and written by Michael Dowse, the film stars Jay Baruchel as Carter, who was known by the nickname “the Mad Canadian.” Drawing inspiration from the 1983 Genie Award-winning documentary "The Devil at Your Heels," which chronicled Carter’s efforts, "The Stunt Driver" blends dramatized reenactments with elements of documentary filmmaking. Dowse employs varying formats and aspect ratios, and includes a character portraying the documentary’s director, underscoring the film’s hybrid approach.

Baruchel’s portrayal of Carter avoids turning the stuntman into a caricature; instead, it presents him as a charismatic figure who, despite his daring ambitions, experiences genuine fear and hesitation. The film highlights Carter’s discomfort with the label “daredevil,” portraying a more grounded persona behind the stuntman’s bold public image.

Supporting roles include Ed Helms as Carter’s engineer and Laurence Leboeuf as his girlfriend, both of whom emphasize caution and the option to abandon the jump. Their presence adds emotional depth and a counterbalance to Carter’s determination.

Visually, the film captures the physics and speed of Carter’s attempts through detailed shots of test drives and the geography surrounding the makeshift ramp site. These sequences provide a tangible sense of the risk and technical challenges involved.

At a runtime of one hour and 39 minutes, "The Stunt Driver" offers a measured tribute to an extraordinary chapter in stunt performance history. While some may question whether a fictionalized narrative best serves such a remarkable true story, the film presents a respectful and informative account that underscores the hazards of Carter’s endeavor without glamorizing the danger.