Can you ever truly escape your past, or does running from it only guarantee a harder fall?
The Ride begins with a tragic car accident, setting the stage for a tension-filled story. Angela (Savannah Joeckel), a woman shaped by childhood trauma, reacts to the crash by panicking and telling lies in an attempt to go unnoticed. Her actions start to unravel the lives of those around her, including her husband Laz (Mark Justice) and her lawyer friends (Dean Cain and Traci L. Newman).
Along her journey, Angela crosses paths with figures like Pappa Paulie (Paul Sorvino), whose connection to her presents an alternative perspective on morality and her choices. The story blends suspense and guilt, leaving viewers questioning whether Angela can ever truly escape from her mistakes.
The movie leans heavily into Angela's psyche, and Savannah Joeckel delivers a performance that's both gripping and raw. You can feel her fear and desperation through her expressions, and she keeps the tension alive in every scene. Her performance makes it easy to stay connected to Angela's story, even when things get dramatic.
The cinematography works great to reinforce Angela's mental state. Cold tones dominate the palette, creating a world that feels as harsh and serious as Angela's worries. Low-angle shots heighten the tension, while close-ups of Angela's eyes pull us into her inner chaos. These visual choices help to show how messed up her mind is as everything falls apart.
One of the best parts of the movie is how the car is practically a character of its own. It's the confessional booth, the battlefield, the space where brutal honesty comes to light. Whether it's Laz railing against their friends, Angela's shocking realizations about herself, or her silence in the face of her boss's demands, the car scenes are where the real drama happens. The car becomes a place where the truth can't be hidden, no matter how hard she tries.
This theme comes full circle later, after Angela's emotional phone call, where she finally opens up. In a quiet yet powerful moment, she puts on a cap-a small gesture that speaks volumes. It's like she's changing into someone stronger as if she's suiting up for her next battle, ready to face what's coming next. It's a simple yet effective visual cue that she's no longer running; she's ready to face whatever comes next, even if it's on her terms.
There are moments when it feels like the film gets distracted by its intensity, pulling focus away from the deeper themes. Further exploration of Angela's backstory might have added more layers to the narrative, but instead, the film occasionally skims the surface.
Still, The Ride delivers a gripping and emotional journey. The suspense never lets up, keeping you constantly guessing what Angela will do next. The sound design adds sharpness to the tension, while Savannah Joeckel's performance serves as the film's emotional anchor. The supporting cast, particularly Dean Cain and Paul Sorvino, brings enough texture, ensuring the story remains engaging throughout.
At its core, The Ride poses a powerful question: can you ever truly escape your past, or does running from it only guarantee a harder fall? It's this exploration of guilt and redemption that lingers long after the credits roll.
By Sara Acero.
