The Irish coming-of-age drama is a touching story about two unlikely companions who form a fateful bond. It’s currently available to watch for free on ITVX.
The film will be released in 2022.(Image: Magnolia Photography)
The heartwarming independent film tells this coming-of-age story in a manner that will bring viewers to tears and leave them yearning for more.
Starring beloved British actress Olivia Coleman, the film has unexpectedly slipped under the radar as a rare Irish gem that debuted at the Galway Film Festival and is now available to stream.
Released in 2022, Joyride follows the journey of an unlikely couple who cross paths during a transitional period in their lives, both harboring desperate hopes.
The film takes place in Ireland. The film showcases the breathtaking countryside that plays an important role in well-known cinematography.
Although the focus is on the two lead actors, audiences have a lot to say about it as Coleman appears alongside breakout actor Charlie Reed, creating a charming on-screen chemistry, reports Express.
The story begins with a 12-year-old Malley boy who runs away from his home in County Kerry after the death of his mother. After discovering that his father has stolen donated hospice funds to pay off his debts, he decides to pocket the money and escape in an empty taxi.
However, the taxi is far from empty; The car is carrying Joy, a middle-aged woman who is intoxicated, along with her newborn baby. Her intention was to leave the baby with childhood friend Mags and fly to Lanzarote, as she feels no connection to the baby and has no idea who the father is.
Together, this couple will have to confront several demons and endure significant difficulties. While escaping trouble, they teach each other valuable lessons and form an unlikely connection that ends up changing their plans completely.
Sharing their thoughts on the two lead actors, one viewer took to IMDb and wrote: “Olivia Coleman and Charlie Reed make a great duo. Although this was Reed’s first major project, he successfully performed in front of such a great actress as Coleman.
“Ray Harman’s compositions and Ibhe Keoghan’s scripts are very good. I love candid films that tell little stories like this. Nowadays everyone watches blockbuster films… Cinema has lost sincere films…”
Another viewer said: “Great acting! Olivia Colman and Charlie Ride play their roles very well. There is a symbiosis between them. It is clear that Olivia gave a lot of herself for this role. She probably also helped Charlie express his role better. It’s worth watching.”
The film also features a predominantly Irish cast, which includes Lochlann O’Meeran as James Mulligan, Olwen Fouére as Sideline Sue and Ashling O’Sullivan as Mags, among many others.
It was a low-key production distributed by Vertigo Films and therefore not receiving much support, bypassing theaters entirely and heading straight to streaming platforms despite boasting an A-list star. What attracted many viewers to the “phenomenal, funny and touching” storyline is the fact that it is a completely original story and not a book adaptation or remake.
One viewer added: “I watched it on the flight home from England and cried many times just from being so emotionally involved.
“It was charming, casual and sweet. It was a real testament to the fact that people of all ages need someone they can lean on and trust. Someone who simply supports you can help you survive.”
Joyride is available to stream free at home now on ITVX, but be prepared to cry.