"Joyride"

2022 * Not Rated * 1h 34m  Take one of my favorite genres: The Road Trip. Add one of my favorite actors: Olivia Coleman. Set it in beautiful Ireland. And what do you end up with? One charming, entertaining little indie drama! It's just a crazy, fun adventure you can't help but be charmed by. 

The story opens on a young boy Mully (Charlie Reid), at a fundraiser for his family who's just lost their mother. Mully grabs the wad of cash and bolts out of the pub and steals a taxi. Well, to his surprise, he discovers a drunk woman Joy (Coleman), in the back seat. And there's an infant to boot! As it turns out, Joy had the baby unexpectedly and has decided she's going to give it to one of her dear friends to raise. Thus the adventure begins. 

Joy knows absolutely nothing about taking care of an infant. And Mully is distraught about losing his mother, and his father James (Lochlann O'Mearain), has been less than supportive of him He's basically a self-centered drunk. So the two mismatched pair are perfect for each other. They encounter a series of madcap incidents as they traverse the gorgeous Irish countryside. There's a very funny scene where the young lad teaches Joy how to breastfeed her baby. The two leads have incredible chemistry together--they could almost be mother and son in real life. 

It all adds up to a rollicking buddy film you won't soon forget. If you're looking for a fun little movie, I highly recommend this gem!

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla and Kanopy. Also on Hulu and to rent on Prime Video.