Ride or Die Review: Right Place, Wrong Time

Ride or Die is a strong feature debut from Josalynn Smith that demonstrates the complexities of the human condition and the power of lust.

While out shopping for some clothes, Paula (Briana Middleton) runs into one of her old classmates named Sloane (Stella Everett), whom she had the biggest crush on during their school days. It’s clear that the pair have intense chemistry from the very start. However, Paula wants to move out to L.A. and pursue her dream of being a filmmaker, so they won’t have much time to hang out with each other.

After the two catch up, Paula decides to leave town early and brings Sloane along for the ride. Despite being polar opposites, their connection is electric. They also respect their differences and have an unspoken understanding of one another. The smitten couple heads for California with dreams of a whirlwind Hollywood-type romance together in The Golden State. But this picture-perfect future they envision for themselves seems out of reach when they encounter a set of unexpected situations that send their lives into a downward spiral.

What immediately stands out in Ride or Die is how effortlessly director Josalynn Smith conveys the undeniable connection between Sloane and Paula. The director captures romance through the use of natural sunlight and discreet yet effective glances between the two, which makes their lust for one another feel authentic. Through tight shots, the filmmaker expresses the intimacy and the feelings of excitement and giddiness that come with a budding romance beautifully. Since we spend a vast amount of time alongside our characters in a car, these moments when they are alone together in close proximity convey them developing more of a closeness throughout the film’s runtime. 

I don’t want to give anything away in terms of the plot and what chaos transpires while Sloane and Paula are on the road together. However, regardless of the bleak situations surrounding them, Smith still manages to instill a great deal of beauty in their visual surroundings through various settings, where they open up to one another and feel comfortable in doing so.

Sloane and Paula are vastly different individuals, but their bond reflects how opposites can attract. Although we don’t get a complete picture of Sloane’s past, viewers can tell she’s emotionally complex, hiding all of her pain beneath the surface. She’s desperate to feel loved and seen. The way Paula makes her feel is something she hasn’t quite experienced before, and she loves the attention. On the flip side, Paula seems sensible, logical, and more reserved. Sloane’s outward recklessness intimidates her, as this isn’t behavior she’s familiar with. Still, she also seems to appreciate Sloane’s ability to let her hair down freely and be the fearless individual that she is.

In a lot of ways, Sloane and Paula’s romance is the definition of right place, wrong time. Though they found themselves in the same shop, which allowed them to reconnect, the timing and circumstances don’t work in their favor. Perhaps this is a sign that even the most magnetic bonds can come at a cost and aren’t always the healthiest.

That said, all is not lost. Through the pair’s time together, Sloane comes to realize that she needs to work on herself before she can commit to a healthy relationship, and that moment of self-discovery holds significant weight. All the layers of Sloane’s complexity are reflected flawlessly through Everett, who gives a remarkable performance. Similarly, Middleton handles Paula’s reserved nature with great care while still allowing the character to express her head-over-heels affection for Sloane. Both actresses’ performances make this film what it is. Despite Ride or Die’s darker elements, you still manage to become completely lost in their romance.

Towards the end of Ride or Die, Paula says to Sloane, “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you,” and these sincere words truly pierce the viewer’s soul. At its core, the film is a love story that encourages the audience to embrace their true selves. It also highlights the importance of inner happiness and its crucial role in fostering growth and peace. 

Ride or Die is a stunning feature debut from Smith, depicting the complexities of relationships and the human condition. It’s a festival standout you won’t want to miss.

Ride or Die was screened at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8, 2025 and will be screened again on June 10-12.