Joy Ride could easily have been just a raunchy comedy following a group of friends on a wild trip, but the film touches on themes of identity, friendship, and even political commentary that add an emotional punch to the raunchiest comedy you’ll see all year. 

Adele Lim’s directorial debut knows exactly how to push the envelope of a typical ‘raunchy comedy’ and how to effortlessly weave in poignant themes on identity to tie the film all together. Due to its sharp writing, Joy Ride is unlike any raunchy comedy you’ve seen before. The characters are all beautifully written to not only feel like people you know, but characters you feel protective over. 

Joy Ride initially follows Audrey (Ashley Park) and Lolo (Sherry Cola), childhood best friends who were also the only two Asian kids in their hometown, White Falls, Washington. A flashback to when they first became friends as kids establishes their good girl/bad girl dynamic. A young Audrey (Isla Rose Hall), who is adopted by white parents, recoils when a boy at the playground spews a racial slur towards her, only for Lolo (Chloe Pun) to punch him. From this moment on, the two girls are instant best friends.  

Cut to 25 years later, Audrey and Lolo are still close, but Audrey is eyeing moving to Los Angeles to make partner at her law firm, which would leave Lolo, an artist living in her guest house, behind in White Falls. In order to prove herself for the role at the firm, Audrey heads to China to close a business deal. (She’s also tricked her boss into believing she’s fluent in Mandarin.) She invites Lolo to be her translator, but Lolo has secretly invited her incredibly online cousin, Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), to tag along. Once they arrive, the three meet up with Audrey’s old college roomie, Kat (Stephanie Hsu), who is a rising actress in China.

The dynamic of the group, with Lolo and Kat vying to be Audrey’s true best friend and Deadeye trying to keep the peace, allows Joy Ride to effortlessly explore different types of friendships. The new settings and players add a layer to navigating how friendships can change or become something else under pressure. Joy Ridetreats the audience to a number of hilarious yet unfortunate events from drug busts to an all-timer sex scene. There is something so special about women writing sex scenes for female characters. 

We’ve seen hard comedies such as EuroTrip or even The Hangover but what really sets Joy Ride apart from any other ‘road trip gone bad’ film is that the heart of the film is the group of friends trying to find what sincerely makes them happy. The film allows each of the main four characters to explore their very different personalities and desires at the center of their stories. Joy Ride stands out amongst these road trip films as it leans into the characters’ identities through an exploration of their varied cultural and social backgrounds. No matter how serious the subject matter gets, the film effortlessly blends the heavier themes into the comedy. No matter how outrageous some of the comedy bits can get, perhaps leading to some of the hardest audiences will laugh in a theater all year, the emotional impact of the heavier scenes still lands a gut punch. 

Joy Ride is so successful due to the four stars at its center. The sharp writing doesn’t work without the perfect performers to deliver. Park, Cola, Hsu, and Wu are a comedic ensemble made in heaven. The four have impeccable chemistry and each have a moment to shine. Park in her first leading role truly shines and never lets her character come across dull; she showcases Audrey’s drive and vulnerability in a way that makes her human. Cola as Lolo and Wu as Deadeye have perfect comedic timing, but also really hit home with their emotional notes. Hsu not only shines in a comedic role but has one of the greatest post Oscar nomination performances ever. 

It is so important to see a film, but especially a hard comedy film led by Asian female and non-binary actors. Joy Ride allows for these characters to explore their identities, sexuality, and roles in society in a way that is deeply meaningful, but also incredibly funny. No matter how wild the ride gets, Joy Ride is an impactful, important film. 

Grade: B+

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: None

Release Date: July 7, 2023
Where to Watch: In Theaters