Ride (2024)

3 Stars (out of 4)

Versed Rodeo

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Jake Allyn's drama Ride has all the elements for an overcooked, goopy, weepy soap-opera, but this Texas-set drama comes surprisingly alive, populated with vivid characters, rich dialogue, and genuine emotions.

Former Texas rodeo champ John (C. Thomas Howell) long ago gave up glory to raise his family. His youngest, daughter Virginia (Zia Carlock) has been diagnosed with a brutal kind of cancer, and needs an expensive treatment: $40,000 for only the first payment. His eldest son, Peter (Jake Allyn) is estranged, having gone to prison for driving under the influence and causing a death. His wife Monica (Annabeth Gish) is the local sheriff.

Peter is released, picked up by his grandpa, Al (Forrie J. Smith), also a former rodeo star. Peter wants to get back into bullriding, but he also feels the pull of drugs and alcohol. In order to score, he promises drug dealer Tyler (Patrick Murney) his entire winnings ($10,000) at the next rodeo. But when Patrick learns about Virginia's illness, he risks his life and tries to give the money to his father, who refuses. Eventually the two men realize that they must put aside their grievances and team up for a last-ditch attempt to find the full amount to pay for the life-saving treatment.

A directorial debut by Allyn, who also co-wrote the screenplay and plays Peter, Ride starts out a with little girl diagnosed with cancer, a man suffering from drug and alcohol dependence and a guilty conscience, and a father with a grudge. And it's set against the world of the rodeo, which, as often as not, is steeped in injury and heartbreak. But, right from its opening scene — in which John (C. Thomas Howell) seemingly goes back to the rodeo (it's actually a nightmare) — the movie proves itself alive and even tactile. The sounds and spaces of the rodeo feel real, even awe-inspiring. (The filmmakers clearly did their research.)

And, despite the soapy plot, the characters speak and relate to each other in ways that feel honest. There are even a few surprises, including Howell breaking out a guitar and singing a heart-wrenching country song for his sick daughter. A middle-child character, Noah (co-screenwriter Josh Plasse), doesn't have much to do other than be the peace-keeper in the center of everything. His blond girlfriend, played by former American Idol contestant Laci Kaye Booth, who also sings, feels mostly gratuitous. Nonetheless, Ride makes up for its flaws with its honesty and its humanity, and it's difficult to come away untouched.