Lloyd McNeil’s Last Ride

A mild-mannered cop is transformed by news that he’s terminally ill in this amusing and affecting tale from Deadspin founder Leitch (How Lucky). When 43-year-old Atlanta detective Lloyd McNeil receives a brain tumor diagnosis and a three-month prognosis, he decides not to tell his coworkers, ex-wife, or 13-year-old son, Bishop. If he dies in the line of duty, Lloyd reasons, Bishop will receive a significantly larger death benefit. Though he dives headlong into danger, including a tense domestic violence situation, a wild car chase, and an active shooter scene, despite his best efforts at suicide as cop, Lloyd repeatedly comes out alive. His rash behavior marks an abrupt deviation from the calm approach to police work he developed in contrast to his pugnacious late father, formerly the department’s chief. He maintains his friendly persona when interacting with bystanders, however, and in viral videos of his heroics, he’s identified with the #Happycop hashtag. Leitch balances the zany and high-stakes set pieces with tender depictions of Lloyd’s bond with Bishop, who stages an intervention out of concern over his father’s recklessness. This adventure is sweet and thrilling in equal measure. Agent: David Gernert, Gernert Co. (May)