Along For The Ride(2022)

With Along for the Ride, Sofia Alvarez delivers a sweet, introspective coming-of-age romance that delicately explores themes of self-discovery, healing and love. I heard the film was an adaptation of a popular novel of which name I'm not familiar with. The film is gentle in its approach, offering a beachy backdrop, quirky characters and enough heartwarming moments to give you that nostalgic summer feeling. While it doesn’t break new ground in the young adult romance genre, it’s charming enough to keep you engaged.

Possible Spoilers

The story centers on Auden, a bright and introverted girl who spends her summer before college in the small coastal town of Colby. She’s always been the responsible one, defined by her academic achievements and pressured by her overbearing mother to be “perfect.” But when she meets Eli, a mysterious and quiet boy who’s dealing with his own past traumas, everything changes. Together, they embark on a series of midnight adventures, where Eli helps Auden experience the carefree, fun-filled teenage life she missed out on, while Auden helps Eli confront his grief and guilt.

The night time excursions bring them closer as they begin to open up about their deepest insecurities, with the backdrop of moonlit beaches and quiet streets. Throughout the summer, Auden learns to let go of her perfectionism, embrace spontaneity, and explore who she really is, beyond what others especially her mother expect of her.

My Review and Rating

Along for the Ride feels like slipping into a comfortable, familiar summer story. It’s not going to surprise you with twists or groundbreaking storytelling, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, a movie’s strength lies in its ability to tell a simple story well enough to keep the audience engaged and Alvarez achieves that here. The film is light, but it has a few emotional punches that help it stand out among its contemporaries.

I liked the chemistry between Auden (played by Emma Pasarow) and Eli (played by Belmont Cameli). Their relationship feels natural, even though it starts with a bit of the typical "mysterious bad boy helps the quiet girl come out of her shell" trope. But what I appreciated was how their bond wasn’t just about romance but about healing. Both characters had their own emotional baggage and it was nice to see their relationship be a source of growth for each other rather than just a summer fling.

The film’s setting is another big win. The sleepy coastal town of Colby is the perfect backdrop for a coming-of-age story. The nighttime adventures, from bike rides through empty streets to impromptu beach visits, really capture the feeling of summer freedom. It made me want to take a spontaneous road trip to a beach town and stay up all night just to watch the sunrise.

Now, onto some personal criticism (because you know I can't resist). As much as I enjoyed the movie’s laid-back vibe, there were moments where the pacing felt sluggish. Some of the scenes between Auden and her parents, especially her mother, dragged on a little longer than necessary. I understand they were trying to build the tension between Auden and her mom but after a while, I honestly just wanted to get back to the midnight adventures with Eli.

Also, while Auden’s character arc is heartwarming, it felt a little predictable. She’s the typical “overachiever with no social life,” and while the movie does a good job of showing her transformation, I couldn’t help but feel like I’ve seen this character a hundred times before. It would’ve been nice to see a fresher take on her journey of self-discovery. That said, her journey still resonated, especially for anyone who has ever struggled with living up to the expectations of others.

But I have to say, the highlight of the film for me was Eli. He’s not your stereotypical brooding love interest - there’s a lot more depth to his character. His grief and guilt over his friend’s death give him a vulnerability that makes his connection with Auden feel more authentic. Plus, he brought just the right amount of charm and subtle emotion to the role.

This film is the kind of film you watch when you want to be reminded of summer nights, first loves and the quiet moments that help us figure out who we are. It’s sweet, sincere and full of heart. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional complexities of growing up, but it does so in a way that’s approachable and comforting.

I recommend this one If you’re in the mood for a summer romance with a side of introspection.

Rating: 3.5/5