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Drama thriller

Nightride (2022): Cast & Ratings

Nightride (2022) movie poster

Nightride is a 2022 drama thriller directed by Stephen Fingleton, starring Moe Dunford as Budge, Stephen Rea and Paul Kennedy. It runs 1 hour 37 minutes. Critics gave it 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10.

IMDb rating
5.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes
86%
Echo Score
75
Metascore
51
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Nightride (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 37m (97 min)
Genres
Drama , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Nightride About?

The premise of Nightride without spoilers.

In the vibrant, nocturnal streets of Belfast, small-time drug dealer Budge attempts a high-stakes deal for one last chance at success. A failed exchange quickly turns dangerous, forcing him to confront a web of risk and recover his stolen merchandise. With a ruthless loan shark pursuing him, Budge must find a new buyer and escape the escalating chaos before it’s too late.

Nightride Themes & Keywords

· 13 tags
  • driving a car
  • criminal
  • dealer
  • night
  • drugs
  • job
  • windbreaker jacket
  • turtleneck sweater
  • reluctant criminal
  • one last job
  • going straight
  • real time
+1 more
  • one shot
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Cast & crew

Nightride Cast & Characters

Moe Dunford leads the cast as Budge, with Stephen Rea as Joe and Paul Kennedy as Graham. Directed by Stephen Fingleton; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Nightride

· 6 more
From the director

More from Stephen Fingleton

More films directed by Stephen Fingleton, best-rated first: The Survivalist, Magpie and SLR.

Full filmography
Ratings

Nightride Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Nightride 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 51 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.5/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (68).

75 /100

Nightride Echo Score Breakdown

Nightride’s most notable achievement is its real‑time, single‑take execution, which injects urgency and a tactile sense of motion into an otherwise conventional thriller. Critics praised the film’s propulsive direction and tense atmosphere, while some noted the one‑shot gimmick had become familiar and the narrative lacked true originality. Viewers responded with a split between high excitement and occasional boredom. Overall, the film balances inventive craftsmanship with familiar storytelling, landing it in the upper‑mid range of quality.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s continuous one‑shot technique and kinetic direction are highlighted as strengths, creating a propulsive visual rhythm. Critics mentioned occasional unevenness and a bumpy ride, but most agreed the execution was efficient and impressive for a debut. The mixed technical remarks temper the praise, resulting in a solid yet not flawless assessment.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, Moe Dunford’s performance is repeatedly described as riveting and nuanced, elevating the material. Reviewers commend the lead’s body language and intensity, and no significant acting flaws are cited. The consistent positive sentiment around the cast yields a high score reflecting strong character work.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, the real‑time premise adds tension and keeps the pacing brisk, which many reviewers find engaging. However, several comments note the plot’s predictability and lack of originality, calling it generic or not revolutionary. This blend of effective pacing with a familiar narrative produces a moderate‑high rating.

  • Sensory Experience 72

    In sensory experience, the unwavering camera movement and real‑time visual style are praised for creating immersion, while specific soundtrack or sound‑design commentary is scarce. The overall sensory impression is positive but not extensively elaborated, leading to a respectable but not outstanding score.

  • Rewatch Factor 68

    For rewatch factor, the film is described as unforgettable by some and edge‑of‑seat by many, suggesting strong immediate appeal. Contrasting views note predictability and occasional boredom, reducing its long‑term draw. The mixed but generally favorable sentiment results in a modestly above‑average rewatch rating.

Videos

Nightride Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Nightride.

Official Trailer

Seen Nightride?

FAQ

Nightride FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Nightride, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Nightride?

Nightride runs 1 hour 37 minutes (97 minutes).

When was Nightride released?

Nightride was released on March 4, 2022.

Who directed Nightride?

Nightride was directed by Stephen Fingleton.

More films by Stephen Fingleton

Who is in the cast of Nightride?

Nightride stars Moe Dunford as Budge, Stephen Rea as Joe and Paul Kennedy as Graham, among 10 credited actors.

How is Nightride rated?

Nightride has 5.5/10 on IMDb, 86% on Rotten Tomatoes, 51 on Metacritic and 55% on TMDB.

Does Nightride have a post-credit scene?

No. Nightride has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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