Along For the Ride

The latest entry in the YA romance novel film adaptation is Netflix’s Along for the Ride.

After finishing high school, Auden decides to spend the summer in the fictional beach town of Colby where her father, stepmother, and half sister live. Her goal this summer: reinvent herself. During a failed reinvention attempt, she meets another insomniac who encourages her to attempt a childhood re-do.

At the core of this story is the many different relationships between Auden and those around her. For example, her stepmother is her main supporter filled with pride her Auden in contrast to her father who hides from his own daughter. Maggie who starts off as an unneccessary antagonist, becomes a vehicle to unravel Auden’s internal thoughts through heart-to-heart conversations. The film rushes into their newly formed friendship and never takes time to flesh out the relationship or characters of her other coworkers. They feel like little minions who provide some sort of comedic relief or assurance.

Along For the Ride takes you on a comfortable stroll through a melodic teen beach coming of age. While the pacing never stays consistent, it is a nice easy watch that reminds you to enjoy the fun in life and not take yourself too seriously.