It’s a cold winter night, and Ebba (Sigrid Husjord) just wants to get home. She’s freezing, but she finds that her simple ride on the trolly isn’t going to go as planned. Night Ride sees Ebba find herself in a series of precarious situations, some hilarious, some threatening–but they all lead to her night being one wild ride.
There are a series of messages present throughout the course of Night Ride, and they play a role in both the relevance of the film and the way in which viewers appreciate the film. Maybe the most important message present in the film is not to judge a book by its cover–and that plays a role throughout the entire film, almost from beginning to end. There are a series of instances in which this becomes relevant, and Writer-Director Eirik Tveiten finds brilliant and effective ways to express this sentiment to his viewers. Beyond that, he reminds viewers that it’s simply important to be kind to everyone around you–because it’s difficult to understand who they truly are and what they are going through. Each and every moment possesses deeper meaning, and viewers are easily able to understand Night Ride’s purpose.
Ebba sort of embodies each and every one of the deeper meanings present in Night Ride, and her brilliant talent allows each of them to rise to the surface early and often throughout the film. She is incredibly talented, and it’s often her facial expressions that allow emotion to rise to the surface. Ultimately everything runs through her, and she constantly finds ways to express emotion, to tell the many pivotal stories present in the film, and to constantly propel Night Ride forward. She’s successful in each and every one of her endeavors throughout the film–and she’s ultimately the shining star, bringing each and every piece of the film together seamlessly.
Even though there are intense situations strewn throughout the film, the glistening snow, the calming sound of the trolly doors opening and closing, and hilarity of Ebba’s perfect facial expressions often creates a serene feeling–one that invites viewers into the film’s orbit and allows them to enjoy the entirety of the film. Night Ride manages to exude a calming tone throughout, and it manages to juxtapose the intensity of the film in a beautiful, meaningful, and accessible way.
Diversity is becoming more and more important in cinema, and filmmakers across the world are making it a point to include actors and cast members from many walks of life. The trouble with this is that many filmmakers are struggling to include them in an organic fashion, and things feel out of place, forced, and/or frustrating as a result. Night Ride doesn’t force anything, allowing its inclusive bits to occur naturally and effectively. Furthermore, the purpose behind including certain individuals in the film is clear; and that purpose doesn’t steal from the narrative, but rather it adds to it.
Each and every one of Tveiten’s ducks are in a row–and they work together to create a brilliantly dramatic, interestingly funny film. He never misses a beat, he never fails to get the most out of each situation, and Night Ride shines as a result.
Written & Directed by Eirik Tveiten.
Starring Sigrid Husjord, Ola Hoemsnes Sandum, Axel Barø Aasen, Jon Vegard Hovdal, Rafat Haska, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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