From the co-screenwriter of Crazy Rich Asians, Adele Lim makes her directorial debut with the outrageously hilarious film Joy Ride.
Joy Ride takes audiences on a heartwarming and transformative journey filled with laughter, friendship, and self-discovery. The comedy starring Ashley Park, Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, and Sabrina Wu centers on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. When Audrey’s (Ashley Park) business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of Lolo (Sherry Cola), her irreverent, childhood best friend who also happens to be a hot mess; Kat (Stephanie Hsu), her college friend turned Chinese soap star; and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), Lolo’s eccentric cousin. Their unpredictable, random, and undoubtedly epic experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.
Under the skillful direction of Adele Lim, Joy Ride flourishes into a heartwarming and vibrant tale. Lim’s directorial vision showcases her ability to infuse the story with warmth and authenticity, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the characters and their personal journeys. “I hope viewers look at this movie and first of all are filled exuberance and joy and to also feel like Asian Americans can be the heroes of their own stories. That it’s not just about Asian Americans, it’s about any underrepresented group in this country – we haven’t seen our faces out there, we haven’t seen ourselves depicted in our fullness and I hope they come away being more open to everyone’s stories,” said Lim. She navigates the delicate balance between comedy and drama, creating a seamless blend that tugs at the heartstrings while eliciting genuine laughter.
At its core, Joy Ride explores the themes of friendship and self-discovery. As Audrey, Kat, Lolo, and Deadeye venture into the unknown, they confront their fears, confront past wounds, and rediscover the strength and beauty of their bond. Through their encounters with a diverse array of characters, they learn valuable life lessons and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. The on-screen chemistry of the cast is palpable, evoking both laughter and tears as they navigate the ups and downs of their journey. “We do have a beautiful friendship the four of us, beautiful text thread, beautiful dinners, beautiful cuddle puddles…I think just immediately when you’re in a group and feel safe, it’s just that much easier to bond and yeah we didn’t have to work too hard at it,” Everything Everywhere All at Once star Hsu shared.
Joy Ride is now in theaters everywhere.
