Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Action thriller

Ride (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Ride (2018) movie poster

Ride is a 2018 action thriller directed by Jeremy Ungar, starring Bella Thorne as Jessica, Will Brill and Kari Wahlgren. It runs 1 hour 19 minutes and earned $346,665 worldwide. Critics gave it 45 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
worldwide gross
$346.7K
Echo Score
70
Metascore
45
Loading streaming availability…
Ride (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 19m (79 min)
Director
Jeremy Ungar
Genres
Action , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Ride About?

The premise of Ride without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

While working as a ride-share driver in Los Angeles to support his acting career, James's life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Jessica, a captivating woman with whom he forms an immediate connection. However, his evening spirals into a chaotic and dangerous situation when his next passenger, Bruno, reveals a sinister agenda. James and Jessica are then plunged into a heart-stopping and adrenaline-fueled sequence of events.

Ride Themes & Keywords

· 25 tags
  • inspired by a true story
  • bmx
  • foster parent
  • interracial adoption
  • child abuse
  • social worker
  • racist
  • bmx bike
  • adoption
  • love
  • interracial couple
  • juvenile delinquent
+13 more
  • juvenile detention
  • swastika
  • racist boy
  • racism
  • bmx stunt riding
  • skateboarder
  • hate crime
  • skinhead
  • abusive father
  • pencil drawing
  • artistic
  • reference to the odyssey
  • bullying
Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

Ride Cast & Characters

Bella Thorne leads the cast as Jessica, with Will Brill as Bruno and Kari Wahlgren as GPS Voice. Directed by Jeremy Ungar; 7 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Ride

· 3 more
Ratings

Ride Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Ride 45 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in sensory experience (60).

70 /100

Ride Echo Score Breakdown

Ride presents a largely engaging narrative with commendable performances but is hindered by plot contrivances and uneven pacing. The film’s visual style and production design are serviceable though seldom striking, while the lead actors deliver solid and emotionally resonant work. Story beats resonate on a thematic level but occasionally feel predictable and underdeveloped in the final act. The soundtrack and sound design support key moments without overwhelming the drama, and the movie retains moderate appeal on repeat viewings. Overall, Ride balances its strengths in characterization with narrative shortcomings.

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

  • Art & Craft 60

    In terms of art and craft, the film employs a straightforward visual approach that rarely ventures into striking territory. Direction and editing maintain a measured pace but stop short of exhibiting distinct stylistic flair. Production design supports the BMX elements effectively, though the color palette and shot composition generally remain functional rather than expressive. Overall, the art and craft work attains a competent level without pushing creative boundaries.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    When it comes to character and emotion, the leads deliver committed and heartfelt performances that anchor the film’s dramatic core. Acting across the trio shows consistent depth, with moments of genuine chemistry and emotional resonance during key personal revelations. While occasional overtones of dramatized motivation feel slightly heightened, the cast nonetheless inhabits their roles with sincerity and nuance. Overall, the character work stands as one of the film’s most reliable assets.

  • Story & Flow 65

    With respect to story and flow, the narrative unfolds at a brisk pace but is undercut by occasional plot contrivances and predictability. The film introduces engaging thematic material drawn from a compelling true story but falls into formulaic beats in its final act. Though some viewers appreciate the cohesive structure, the screenplay lacks sufficient tension and originality to fully sustain its thriller elements. Overall, the story demonstrates promise but does not entirely cohere into a satisfying whole.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    In terms of sensory experience, the sound design and soundtrack provide supportive, unobtrusive accompaniment to the on-screen action. Visual style focuses on clear presentation of BMX sequences and urban settings without resorting to elaborate effects or bold color treatments. While the audio-visual elements align smoothly with the film’s tone, they rarely ascend beyond functional competence to leave a lasting sensory imprint. Overall, the sensory presentation is serviceable and enhances immersion modestly.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Regarding rewatch factor, Ride offers sufficient emotional beats and thematic messaging to warrant subsequent viewings. The engaging performances and sporadic moments of suspense invite reflection on the film’s central life-overcoming obstacles narrative. However, its predictability and reliance on conventional plot structure may limit long-term replay value for audiences seeking novelty. Overall, Ride holds moderate appeal on repeat viewings but is unlikely to rise to favorite status.

Plot

Ride Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Ride from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

James is a struggling actor who earns his keep by driving people around Los Angeles for a ride-sharing service. On a night that starts like any other, he meets a striking woman named Jessica after a pickup, and she invites him inside for a drink. He declines, eager to reach his next fare, but that chance encounter sets off a dangerous chain of events that will pull him deeper into a reckless evening.

At his next stop, the mood shifts when he runs into the fast-talking Bruno, recently dealing with a breakup and ready to shake things up. Bruno urges James to bring Jessica along for a wild night out, and the trio heads back toward a club where energy and tension fuse into something volatile.

Full summary

The whole story of Ride, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Ride Box Office

Ride grossed $346,665 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$346.7K

International
$346.7K
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Ride?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What is the name of the protagonist who works as a rideshare driver while pursuing acting?

Cars

Cars in Ride

34 cars on screen, including the 2015 Subaru Outback and the 1995 Nissan Maxima.

All 34 cars
  • 2015 Subaru Outback in Ride 2015 Subaru Outback Main role
  • 1995 Nissan Maxima in Ride 1995 Nissan Maxima Important role
  • 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid in Ride 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Minor role
  • 2004 Audi TT in Ride 2004 Audi TT Background role
Details

Ride Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “Опасный пассажир” and “라이드”.

Also known as
  • Опасный пассажир
  • 라이드
  • Поїздка
  • 约车惊魂夜
  • Ride - Viaje Mortal
  • Corsa infernale
  • 疾速求生
  • Jazda

Seen Ride?

FAQ

Ride FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Ride?

Ride runs 1 hour 19 minutes (79 minutes).

When was Ride released?

Ride was released on October 5, 2018.

Who directed Ride?

Ride was directed by Jeremy Ungar.

Who is in the cast of Ride?

Ride stars Bella Thorne as Jessica, Will Brill as Bruno and Kari Wahlgren as GPS Voice, among 7 credited actors.

How much did Ride make at the box office?

Ride grossed $346,665 worldwide.

How is Ride rated?

Ride has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 45 on Metacritic, 56% on TMDB and 2.3/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Ride have a post-credit scene?

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

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app