The Ride

How does an elderly person deal with loneliness? How do they handle a journey through memory lane? Can an adult predict the “quality” time they will spend with their elderly parents? Will the “lack” of time with them lead one to harsh feelings of remorse?
The most important person in my life was my grandmother. I always thought I would have her by my side. Growing up, however, I distanced myself. The day before she left for her “Big Trip”, she had cooked me a meal and brought it over to my house. I had a lot on my mind, and I spoke to her abruptly. I quickly left for work and that same night she suddenly passed away. I will never forget it. It is the first time I talk about this memory, and it is the reason I wanted to make this film.
The Ride is a film about a man, Frixos, who through his contact with an elderly woman, Mrs. Elli, rearranges the priorities in his life. His dilemma is to meet his mother or watch a football match. He reacts like a child when feeling pressured. His acquaintance with Mrs. Elli will mature him emotionally. And because of it, he will try to develop a more meaningful relationship with his mother.
The short film belongs to the genre of dramatic comedy. It is a journey of self-discovery, tender and bitter at the same time, fun but also moving. From another perspective, it could be seen as a coming-of-age film, too. The meeting of the two heroes brings them closer to each other, stresses them and then soothes them. In the end, it makes them look at yesterday with honesty and tomorrow with eagerness. It can also be described as a road movie, putting on a common path two everyday people with many weaknesses but countless humanity.
The story takes place in modern Greece, where human relationships are ailing. But people start to change when they are allowed to interact. The filming took place in Athens, an area I know well since it is where I am from. Mrs. Ellis’ house, as well as the city of Athens itself, play the role of an invisible protagonist. The changes in the locations they drive by also reflect the changes of an entire generation. One circle closes and another opens.
My main cinematic influence is Jim Jarmusch’s Night on Earth. One of the main representatives of American independent cinema inspired me and gave me faith that I can make this film. Traveling by car is considered a trademark of his, as is his urban poetry. Another reference is the film Nebraska by Alexander Payne and especially the coming-of-age of his heroes in a simple and unpretentious way.
The acting performances are as close to real life as possible. My central theory is the alternation of emotions. Joy follows sorrow and vice versa. In this manner, a distinctive humour and melancholy permeates the whole film.
The cinematic narrative is linear. In rare cases, the frames are fixed. A very relevant concept for a road movie, with the logic that even in close-up shots in the taxi, there is essentially movement, since almost the entire film takes place in the vehicle moving in Athens.
The goal of the film is for the viewer to reflect on the true relationships we have in this life. As J. K. Simmons said when he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Whiplash: “Call your mom, call your dad. If you’re lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call them. Don’t text. Don’t email. Call them on the phone. Tell them you love them!”