Along for the Ride (2022) - Movie Review

Along for the Ride (2022): 

A Gentle Journey of Love, Healing, and Late-Night Conversations

Released in 2022, Along for the Ride is a Netflix romantic drama based on the novel by Sarah Dessen, an author known for emotionally rich coming-of-age stories. Directed by Sofia Alvarez, the film blends romance, self-discovery, and emotional healing into a soft, reflective experience that resonates deeply with young adults navigating life’s in-between moments.

Unlike loud romantic comedies or dramatic love stories filled with conflict, Along for the Ride chooses a quieter path. It focuses on emotional growth, unresolved pain, and the beauty of slow connections formed when people least expect them. The film speaks directly to those who feel they grew up too fast and are trying to reclaim moments they never had.

 

Plot Overview: 

A Summer That Changes Everything

The story follows Audren West, a high-achieving, disciplined teenager who has spent her entire life living according to rules and expectations. With straight A’s and a spotless record, Audren appears to be the definition of success. However, beneath her composed exterior lies emotional exhaustion and a sense of having missed out on what it truly means to be young.

After graduating high school, Audren decides to spend her summer in the coastal town of Colby, where her estranged father lives with his new family. Her goal is simple: take a break before college and experience freedom for the first time. Yet freedom proves harder to grasp than she expected.

In Colby, Audren takes a job at a boutique and begins to meet new people. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Eli Stock, a quiet, introspective young man known for his mysterious nighttime bike rides. Eli offers Audren something unusual — companionship during late-night adventures, when the world feels calm and honest.

What begins as casual conversations soon turns into a deep emotional connection, allowing both characters to confront past regrets, personal losses, and unspoken fears.

Audren West: A Protagonist Shaped by Pressure

Audren is not your typical carefree teen heroine. She is emotionally guarded, overly responsible, and deeply shaped by her parents’ divorce. Her mother’s relentless expectations have conditioned Audren to believe that success is more important than happiness, while her father’s emotional distance left unresolved wounds.

Her character represents many young adults who feel they missed their chance to be carefree because they were too busy being “perfect.” Audren’s journey is not about rebellion, but about learning to let go — of control, guilt, and the fear of disappointing others.

Her gradual transformation throughout the movie feels authentic. Instead of sudden change, we witness small shifts: laughter replacing restraint, curiosity replacing fear, and vulnerability replacing emotional armor.

 

Eli Stock: The Quiet Soul with a Broken Past

Eli is the emotional heart of Along for the Ride. Soft-spoken and observant, he carries a quiet sadness that is slowly revealed through conversations rather than dramatic flashbacks. His past trauma has made him cautious and withdrawn, yet his kindness and patience stand out.

Unlike many romantic leads, Eli does not attempt to “fix” Audren. Instead, he listens. He provides space. His presence feels safe, making him the ideal companion for Audren’s emotional awakening.

Eli’s character explores grief, guilt, and healing in a subtle way. His pain is not loud, but deeply felt, making his journey relatable to anyone who has experienced loss and struggled to move forward.

 

Romance That Grows Naturally

The romance in Along for the Ride unfolds slowly and organically. There are no dramatic declarations or forced chemistry. Instead, the connection builds through shared silence, honest conversations, and simple experiences like riding bikes at night or talking under streetlights.

This approach makes their relationship feel genuine. Their bond is rooted in emotional understanding rather than physical attraction alone. The movie reminds viewers that love does not always arrive with fireworks — sometimes it comes quietly and stays.

The chemistry between the leads feels sincere and understated, aligning perfectly with the film’s calm tone.

Themes Explored in Along for the Ride

1. Growing Up Too Fast

The film captures the emotional reality of young people who were forced to mature early. Audren’s story reflects the pressure many students face to achieve perfection at the cost of personal joy.

2. Healing from Emotional Wounds

Both Audren and Eli carry unresolved pain. The film emphasizes that healing does not happen overnight — it happens through understanding, connection, and patience.

3. Redefining Success

Success in Along for the Ride is not measured by academic achievement or career goals, but by emotional well-being, self-acceptance, and meaningful relationships.

4. The Power of Late-Night Conversations

The nighttime setting symbolizes honesty and vulnerability. When the world quiets down, people open up — and real connections are formed.

 

Direction and Storytelling Style

Director Sofia Alvarez brings a gentle, thoughtful approach to the story. The pacing is intentionally slow, allowing emotions to breathe and moments to feel real. While some viewers may find the film understated, this restraint is its greatest strength.

The storytelling avoids clichés often seen in teen romances. There are no exaggerated conflicts or unnecessary drama. Instead, the focus remains on internal struggles and emotional evolution.

 

Visual Aesthetic and Cinematography

The coastal town of Colby is beautifully portrayed, offering a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The nighttime scenes, filled with soft lighting and quiet streets, create an intimate visual experience.

Bicycle rides under the stars become symbolic moments of freedom and emotional release. The cinematography supports the film’s reflective tone, making the environment feel like an extension of the characters’ emotions.

Read more Love Hard

 

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack complements the film’s mood perfectly. Soft indie tracks and gentle background scores enhance emotional moments without overwhelming them. Music is used sparingly, allowing silence to carry weight where needed.

This subtle use of sound helps the audience feel closer to the characters and their inner worlds.

Supporting Characters and Subplots

The supporting cast adds depth to the story without distracting from the main narrative. Audren’s interactions with her father and stepfamily explore themes of forgiveness and emotional distance. Her mother’s presence, though limited, looms large in shaping Audren’s mindset.

These relationships highlight how parental expectations and unresolved family issues impact young adults long after childhood.

 

Strengths of Along for the Ride

• Emotionally authentic storytelling
• Strong character development
• Realistic portrayal of young adulthood
• Gentle, meaningful romance
• Beautiful nighttime cinematography

Areas Where the Film May Feel Slow

While the slow pacing enhances emotional depth, it may not appeal to viewers seeking fast-paced romance or dramatic twists. The film prioritizes mood and character over plot momentum, which may feel uneventful to some audiences.

However, for viewers who appreciate reflective storytelling, this calm approach is a major advantage.

 

Comparison to Other Teen Romance Films

Unlike flashy teen romances, Along for the Ride aligns more closely with introspective films that focus on emotional growth rather than spectacle. It stands apart by emphasizing healing, vulnerability, and personal choice instead of dramatic obstacles.

Fans of character-driven narratives and Sarah Dessen’s literary style will find this adaptation faithful in spirit.

 

Emotional Impact and Takeaway

The greatest strength of Along for the Ride lies in its emotional honesty. It validates the feelings of those who believe they missed out on youth and reassures them that it is never too late to experience joy, connection, and self-discovery.

The film encourages viewers to slow down, listen, and allow themselves to feel — even when it feels uncomfortable.

 

Final Verdict: 

Is Along for the Ride Worth Watching?

Absolutely — especially if you enjoy thoughtful, emotionally grounded films.

Along for the Ride (2022) is not a loud or flashy romance. It is a quiet, meaningful journey that speaks to the heart. With relatable characters, sincere performances, and a comforting atmosphere, the film offers a beautiful reminder that sometimes the most important journeys happen when we stop trying to control everything.

For viewers seeking a calm, introspective movie about love, healing, and finding yourself, Along for the Ride is a rewarding experience that lingers long after the credits roll.