No. 86 (2022) JOYRIDE (Palace British Film Festival 2022) October 21st.

 

Film No. 86  (2022) October 21st.  4:00 PM  LUNA   Cinema 2  Essex Cinemas,  Fremantle.

"You're going to come with me and help look after the baby! In return, I won't press charges." (Joy gives Mully an ultimatum that sets the road trip to hell (or maybe from hell) in motion).

What was Olivia Colman thinking? Was this an example of "Lockdown Syndrome"? An actor, not sure when or even if cinema would hold up after COVID? Could it be her last chance to work? Surely one reading of the script might have issued warning signs.

Before I describe why I was so disappointed in JOYRIDE, I think it important to point out that director, Emer Reynolds (THE FARTHEST, HERE WAS CUBA) does make good films; documentary films. She is also a talented editor. JOYRIDE is her first fictional feature. Let it also be said that the highlight of JOYRIDE is the depiction of coastal southern Ireland. An aspect of the film that reaps the reward of her documentary film-making prowess no doubt. 

So why is JOYRIDE the antithesis of its title? Well, when it comes to films like these which are supposed to become endearing as the characters gradually feel each other out, antagonise each other, and ultimately realise they each have lessons to learn from the other, the script needs to have rhythm and a delivery pattern. JOYRIDE simply does not. So while Colman's character, Joy, is unlikeable to begin with, her continued lack of compassion for all around her, including her baby, leaves her audience disconnected.

 

Then, more importantly, Mully (competently played by Charlie Reid) never becomes the lovable teenager, of reasonable moral standards, we are supposed to believe in because he too is yelling expletives and running off for no apparent reason. His relationship with his father James (Lochlann O'Mearain) is never reconciled, and down right confusing. 

Writer Ailbhe Keogan (BAD SISTERS, 2 eps) is an up and comer. Her work on RUN & JUMP 2013 (Co Writer) is worthwhile. Here she goes it alone with only Screen Ireland there to back the script. I can't put my finger on why JOYRIDE lacks charisma. Legendary screenwriter William Goldman once said "Not one person in the entire motion picture field knows for a certainty what's going to work."

JOYRIDE is surely a case in point.  4GUMS.