RIDE 2024 Movie: Tense Bull Rider Crime Drama Is Unexpectedly Moving

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Written by Jake Allyn and Josh Plasse, ‘Ride’ is a powerful story of a Texas rodeo family facing impossible odds. When their daughter’s cancer returns, they’re forced to make desperate choices, blurring the lines between right and wrong. With stunning performances from C. Thomas Howell and ‘Yellowstone’ star Forrie J. Smith, ‘Ride’ is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you breathless.

“The winners of this year’s Audience Awards reminded all of us why we love watching movies, which is what we set out to do with this year’s Festival,”

– James Faust, Artistic Director, Dallas International Film Festival

Experience the raw beauty and grit of the rodeo, where bull riding becomes a metaphor for life’s challenges. ‘Ride’ is a testament to the enduring strength of family, the power of hope, and the unwavering spirit of the American cowboy.

‘Ride’ is a must-see for fans of authentic storytelling, powerful performances, and tense dramas. Hold on tight for a movie experience that will touch your cold barren movie heart.

“‘Ride’ is not, strictly speaking, a faith-based movie. Ultimately, however, it comes across as more honest and affecting than loads of other films bearing that label.”    

– Joe Leydon, Reviewer, Variety

Where You Can Find the Movie RIDE

You can find it pay-per-view on Amazon, Fandango, YouTube Movies, Apple TV, Google Play, and Spectrum TV. Thank you for backing a film made outside the Hollywood machine! Hollyweird said the movie was ‘too American.’ We say it is just right.

RIDE’s Indie Film Fight: Hollywood Rejected It, America Embraced It.

The journey of ‘Ride’ to the big screen was no easy feat, mirroring the struggles of its characters in the face of adversity. The film’s writer-director-star, Jake Allyn, faced an uphill battle against the Hollywood machine, a system often perceived as resistant to authentic Americana stories.

“Hollywood would not support the film. I was constantly told the movie is ‘too American’.”

– Jake Allyn, RIDE Movie 2024, Writer-Director-Producer-Star

Allyn spent eight long years developing the script, navigating a landscape where his vision was repeatedly dismissed as “too American.” The irony is palpable; a film celebrating the heartland, its people, and their values was deemed unpalatable by the very industry that claims to represent American culture.

Undeterred, Allyn took matters into his own hands. He relocated to Tennessee, securing a higher tax rebate for the film, and partnered with Lonestar Rodeo and WELL GO USA, people that understood and valued his vision. Even then, the road was fraught with challenges. Financing fell through just a month before shooting, forcing Allyn to deliver the devastating news to his cast and crew. Yet, in a testament to the film’s spirit, not a single person abandoned the project. They rallied around Allyn, their collective determination mirroring the resilience of the characters they portrayed.

“‘Ride’ is a film overstuffed with themes, ideas, and characters, but it works because it’s made with the kind of urgency that comes from a filmmaker who has to tell this story and get it out on celluloid right now, or they’ll bust.”

– Marya E. Gates, Reviewer, RogerEbert.com

The story of ‘Ride”s creation is a microcosm of the film itself: a testament to the enduring power of the American spirit, the unwavering belief in a dream, and the triumph of authenticity over manufactured narratives. It’s a story that resonates with audiences who yearn for genuine stories that reflect their values and experiences, stories that Hollywood too often overlooks.

“Allyn’s ambitious, tough drama serves up uncompromising Texas grit in every scene, and as actor, co-writer and director, he keeps us riveted on all fronts for nearly two hours.”

– Randy Myers, Reviewer, San Jose Mercury News

Jake Allyn, C. Thomas Howell, Forrie J. Smith, & Annabeth Gish Give Outstanding Performances

C. Thomas Howell delivers a truly remarkable performance as John Hawkins, the stoic cowboy father at the heart of ‘Ride’. He embodies the rugged determination and quiet desperation of a man pushed to the brink, fighting for his daughter’s life. Howell’s portrayal is so authentic and emotionally raw that you’ll find yourself holding your breath alongside him as he faces impossible choices. The storyline between the father and son bull riders, played by Howell and Jake Allyn, draws directly from Howell’s own life experiences growing up around the rodeo circuit with his bull rider father.

Forrie J. Smith, known for his role as Lloyd in “Yellowstone,” brings a similar level of authenticity to his performance as Al, the grandfather. Smith’s decades of experience as a real-life cowboy shine through, adding depth and gravitas to his portrayal of a man grappling with faith and family. Critics have praised Smith’s ability to convey both wisdom and vulnerability, making Al a truly compelling character.

Jake Allyn shines as Peter, the troubled son seeking redemption. Allyn’s performance is a revelation, capturing the complexities of a young man battling addiction and a haunted past. You’ll be captivated by Peter’s journey, rooting for him every step of the way, even as he stumbles and makes mistakes.

Annabeth Gish may have a less prominent role, but her performance as Monica is equally impactful. With subtle gestures and nuanced expressions, Gish conveys a depth of inner turmoil and moral conflict that speaks volumes. Her portrayal of a mother and a law enforcement officer torn between duty and love is both heartbreaking and inspiring.