Olivia Colman's 2022 Irish drama Joyride is now available to stream free on ITVX, and viewers are once again praising the film as 'phenomenal, funny and moving'. The coming-of-age story, which debuted at the Galway Film Festival, has been described as a rare Irish treasure that went under the radar despite featuring the beloved British actress.
A story of two unlikely companions
The film chronicles the tale of an unexpected pair who cross paths during pivotal moments in their lives, both brimming with desperate aspirations. Set in Ireland, the production showcases the country's breathtaking countryside, which forms a crucial element of the widely acclaimed cinematography.
Colman stars opposite breakout actor Charlie Reid in a touching on-screen chemistry that captivates viewers. The narrative follows 12-year-old Mully, who flees his County Kerry home after his mother's death. Upon discovering that his father pinched donated hospice funds to settle his debts, he decides to grab the money and escape in what appears to be an empty taxi.
An unexpected journey
However, the vehicle isn't empty; inside sits Joy, a middle-aged intoxicated woman, with her newborn baby. Her intention was to leave the child with her childhood friend Mags before flying off to Lanzarote, as she feels no connection to the baby and has no clue about the father's identity.
Together, they both face personal struggles and considerable adversity. During their journey as they escape from their troubles, they introduce each other to fresh perspectives and develop an unexpected connection that completely alters their original plans.
Viewer praise and cast
Sharing their thoughts on the two actors, one viewer took to IMDb to say: "Olivia Coleman and Charlie Reid make a great duo team. Although it was Reid's first major project, he performed successfully in front of a great actress like Coleman. Ray Harman's compositions and Aibhe Keogan's scripts are very good. I love candid films that tell little stories like this. Everyone watches blockbuster movies now... Cinema has lost sincere films.."
Another viewer wrote: "Great acting! Olivia Colman and Charlie Ride play their roles very well. There is a symbiosis between them. You can see that Olivia gave a lot of herself for this role. She probably also helped Charlie express his role better. It's worth watching."
The film also features a predominantly Irish ensemble including Lochlann Ó Mearáin as James Mulligan, Olwen Fouéré as Sideline Sue and Aisling O'Sullivan as Mags, amongst many others.
A modest production now streaming free
It was a modest production, released by Vertigo Films, and consequently didn't attract significant attention, having bypassed cinemas and launched directly onto streaming services, despite featuring an A-list star. What has attracted so many viewers to the 'phenomenal, funny and moving' storyline is the fact that it is an entirely original story, rather than a literary adaptation or a remake.
One viewer summed this up perfectly, writing: "I watched this on my flight home from England, and I cried so many times just from being so emotionally invested. It was charming, raw, and endearing. It was a real testimony to how humans of any age need someone they can lean on and trust. That someone just supporting you can get you through."
Joyride is currently available to stream for free on ITVX from the comfort of your own home, but be warned – you may well find yourself reaching for the tissues.
