"Along for the Ride" is romance done right
“Along for the Ride” follows Auden (Emma Pasarow) who goes to the small town of Colby the summer before college, where she hopes to spend time with her father, stepmother and her newborn stepsister Thisbe. She uses the summer in Colby to discover a new version of herself that’s separate from her scholarly, studious self. Night owl Auden stays up reading and drinking coffee when she meets fellow insomniac Eli (Belmont Cameli) who convinces her to relive her childhood self through various quests.
Filled with scenes of night swimming and hot dog parties, “Along for the Ride” is a great film to watch to get inspiration for what to do this upcoming summer.
Emitting the same beach house vacation aesthetics found in the novel that the movie is based on, the film reiterates memorable details found in Sarah Dessen’s book. Fans of the paper version will appreciate the inclusion of the infamous Gas Gro and Clementine’s Boutique, which feature some of Auden’s character breakthrough scenes. The mention of lock and key necklaces being sold out hints at Dessen’s other summer novel titled “Lock and Key.”
“Along for the Ride” is still a great watch even if people haven’t read the book, since it’s filled with a summer soundtrack including beats like Troye Sivan’s “Lucky Strike.” It doesn’t feature an incredible plot but is more about the ride of life shown in the movie that gives this film its hype. It’s more about the aesthetics and warm feeling.
The film was screen written by Sofia Alvarez whose most recognizable work is the “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” trilogy. There are details not found in the book that are put under the spotlight which makes it a more memorable movie. Some heartwarming scenes include Auden bonding with Thisbe and her hyper stepmother (Kate Bosworth), along with some background on one of Auden’s friends she gets close to.
Auden’s family trauma from her parents’ divorce pulls her back to reality, making her doubt if she can continue to be whomever she is in Colby. Even Eli’s mysterious past is brought to light as they both tackle their past. “Along for the Ride” continues the ageless film formula of summertime, beaches and boys equating a new self and new adventures. While cliché, the film is still nice to watch, especially for those in the mood for chill, calm movie.
“Along for the Ride” reminds audiences to enjoy the small things, if even only for a moment, amidst a hectic and duty-filled life. One is never too old to ride a bicycle, even as an adult, and the same can be applied to various activities. While life is filled with hurt and passion, it’s always the journey of the ride rather than the destination. This universal concept found in all Dessen’s works was portrayed beautifully in her second live-action movie adaptation. As Dessen writes, “if you’re not hurting, you’re not riding hard enough.”
