Russell (A.J. Bowen) is a good-natured guy forced into being a rideshare driver after he let his business partner buy him out for an app he developed right before it blew up in popularity. When he picks up a young girl, Charlotte (Sophie Dalah), his night will certainly be different. Asking for a stop-off where she takes a small silver suitcase much to the annoyance of her ex-boyfriend. Escaping that situation will be the easiest task, however, as things get more complicated.
Taking the thought of one choice dictating the road on which travel, Night Ride is a constantly twisting, unlit highway. Like in Martin Scorsese’s After Hours, Russell’s evening gets further out of control as he allows Charlotte to take the lead. The silver suitcase is a fun MacGuffin that, unlike the case in Pulp Fiction actually has a purpose. That said, it’s certainly one of those films that benefit from going in as cold as possible and letting the surprises wash over you.
Directed by Brad Baruh and Meghan Leon (who also provided the script), Night Drive is packed with sharp dialogue and enough sudden shocks to make for one wild ride. The humour blends perfectly with the intrigue and spiralling anxiety of the lead character and there’s a reveal that you won’t see coming. Highly recommended.
