Get ready to have your heartstrings pulled and your funny bone tickled with Adele Lim’s debut film, Joy Ride. This movie, written by Cherry Chevapravatdumrong and Teresa Hsiao, is a wild adventure that will make you laugh, cry, and realize that women know how to have a good time. Starring Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, and Sabrina Wu, Joy Ride takes you on a journey of self-discovery, filled with drugs, sex, and plenty of comedy. And here’s a fun fact: the movie was originally titled Joy F**k Club – talk about a hilarious twist!
The story revolves around four friends – Audrey, Lolo, Deadeye, and Kat – as they embark on a global adventure. Audrey, an adoptee growing up in an all-white household, is on the verge of a promotion as a workaholic lawyer. Lolo, a slacking artist, creates art out of human private parts and is looking to sell her pieces. When Audrey flies to China for a big client deal, Lolo suggests that she find her in China. And that’s when the real fun begins.
During a night out with the potential client, the girls let loose and drink themselves into a stupor. They play slapping games, drink thousand-year egg shots, and end up vomiting all over the place. But what really catches the client’s attention is Audrey’s lack of “authentic” Asian identity. To seal the deal, Audrey needs to prove her connection to her heritage, and Lolo blurts out that she’s looking for her biological mom in China. Oops!
Joy Ride may seem like an X-rated comedy on the surface, but it’s so much more than that. At its core, it’s a story about identity and belonging. Audrey, as a transracial adoptee, is searching for answers and exploring what it means to be part of two different cultures. Her friends may not fully understand her journey, but they create a safe space for her to process her emotions and challenge her internalized racism.
Growing up with white parents has caused Audrey to accept racism in order to assimilate at work. She struggles with her self-worth and projects her insecurities onto others. But her friends eventually call her out on her behavior, leading to a powerful moment of self-realization. Joy Ride seamlessly blends comedy, drama, and social commentary, making you laugh at vagina tattoo jokes one moment and cry as Audrey uncovers her past the next.
As a first-time feature director, Adele Lim impresses with her cinematic vision and creative choices. The film’s direction and cinematography by Paul Yee allow the audience to connect with the characters on a deep level. Filming all over Asia is no easy feat, but Lim handles it with confidence and passion. She truly believes in the story and its execution, resulting in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
While Joy Ride offers a unique perspective on the Asian experience, it also has something for everyone. The script is self-assured, the direction is dynamic, and the cast delivers sensational performances. Props to Chevapravatdumrong, Hsiao, and Lim for striking the perfect balance between fun and seriousness. It’s not an easy task, but they make it look effortless. So buckle up and get ready for a joyous ride with Joy Ride!
