Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride

Year: 2017

Runtime: 90 min

Language: English

Director: Nick Ebeling

Echo Score: 78
documentary

This documentary explores the complex and influential life of Dennis Hopper, a celebrated filmmaker, actor, and artist. The film examines his career, from the groundbreaking success of Easy Rider to other significant works like Out of the Blue, showcasing both his triumphs and struggles. It reveals a portrait of a truly original and rebellious creative force whose artistic vision left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Hopeful
Happy ending
Moderately emotional
Low intensity
Steady pacing
Simple story

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Along for the Ride yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Along for the Ride (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Along for the Ride (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Summer and Autumn

The events unfold during a transformative summer, a time typically associated with freedom, self-discovery, and new experiences. As the narrative shifts into autumn, it symbolizes a period of change and maturity for Auden as she transitions from her carefree summer days into a more structured academic life.

Location

Colby, Barcelona

Colby is a picturesque coastal town known for its serene beaches and charming hangouts. It serves as a backdrop for Auden's transformative summer journey, where she reconnects with her father and explores new friendships. In contrast, Barcelona represents a vibrant cultural hub that signifies Auden's growth and adventure as she embarks on her studies abroad.

🏖️ Coastal Town 🌍 City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:13

Main Characters – Along for the Ride (2017)

Meet the key characters of Along for the Ride (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Auden West

Auden is a bright and introspective 18-year-old who yearns to break away from her academic life. Her journey of self-discovery unfolds as she reconciles her relationship with her estranged father and opens herself up to love and adventure. She is deeply empathetic yet struggles with self-doubt and past regrets.

🌟 Protagonist ❤️ Growth 🌊 Adventure

Eli Stock

Eli is a charismatic BMX biker who possesses a deep complexity rooted in his past experiences. His charm and adventurous spirit attract Auden, providing her a safe space to confront her fears. He navigates his own emotional struggles stemming from a tragic loss, which shapes his connection with Auden.

🚴‍♂️ BMX Biker 🌌 Mysterious 💔 Emotional

Robert

Auden's estranged father, Robert is presented as a complicated figure who has distanced himself from his daughter during years of focusing on his studies. His eventual reconciliation with Auden signifies a pivotal moment of growth and responsibility, as he begins to confront the choices that have affected his family.

👨‍👧 Father 🤔 Reflective 🔄 Reconciler

Victoria

Victoria, Auden's protective mother, plays a critical role in the narrative. Her disapproval of Auden's relationship with Robert showcases her concern for her daughter’s well-being. Victoria's character embodies the struggle of a parent trying to shield their child while also needing to understand and let go.

👩‍👧 Protective 💭 Concerned 🔄 Understanding

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:13

Major Themes – Along for the Ride (2017)

Explore the central themes of Along for the Ride (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Personal Growth

The theme of personal growth is central to Auden's journey as she navigates her complex relationships with her father, new friends, and her own fears. As she experiences joy and heartache, Auden transforms from a constrained academic to a more carefree individual, finding her own voice and strength. This evolution is closely tied to her interactions with Eli, who encourages her to confront and embrace her vulnerabilities.

🌌 Adventure

Adventure permeates Auden's summer nights spent exploring Colby with Eli. Their nocturnal escapades, from midnight pie shop visits to thrilling BMX competitions, serve as a catalyst for Auden’s self-discovery and emotional connection with Eli. These moments encapsulate the spirit of youthful adventure and the thrill of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

🧡 Family Dynamics

The complexities of family dynamics are explored through Auden's relationship with her father and her mother’s protective nature. Auden's attempts to reconnect with Robert highlight the nuances of forgiveness and understanding. The conflict arising from Robert's new family and Victoria's concerns adds depth to Auden's emotional journey, ultimately leading to reconciliation.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:13

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Serene summer self-discovery stories like Along for the Ride

Stories set in a single, idyllic season that brings healing and new beginnings.If you enjoyed the gentle, hopeful journey of Along for the Ride, you'll love these movies about transformative summers. Discover films featuring coming-of-age tales, seaside settings, and stories of personal healing and first love that capture a similar serene and nostalgic vibe.

nostalgicsereneyouthfulreflectivecomfortingromantichopefulhealing

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, steady progression over a condensed period, often a summer. A protagonist, frequently dealing with emotional baggage, arrives in a tranquil new setting. Through new friendships and often a central romance, they work through their internal conflicts, leading to a clear and positive resolution by the season's end.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped by their shared setting as a catalyst for change, their low-intensity, hopeful tone, and their focus on quiet, character-driven emotional growth rather than high-stakes plot. They offer a comforting and reflective viewing experience.

Gentle emotional healing movies like Along for the Ride

Character-driven stories where overcoming personal grief leads to peaceful closure.For viewers who liked the emotional reconciliation themes in Along for the Ride, this list highlights films with medium emotional weight and a steady pace. Find movies similar to Along for the Ride that explore overcoming grief and family strife with a gentle, hopeful touch and a happy ending.

reflectivehealingheartfeltcomfortinghopefulemotionalserenebittersweet

Narrative Summary

The plot is straightforward, prioritizing emotional depth over complex twists. A protagonist carries a burden of grief or relational conflict. The story unfolds through conversations and introspective moments, as they slowly learn to open up and trust others, culminating in a reconciliation that feels earned and genuinely uplifting.

Why These Movies?

They share a medium emotional weight derived from relatable personal struggles, a steady and deliberate pacing that allows for reflection, and a consistently hopeful tone that assures a positive, healing conclusion for the characters.

Unlock the Full Story of Along for the Ride

Don't stop at just watching — explore Along for the Ride in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Along for the Ride is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Along for the Ride Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Along for the Ride, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Along for the Ride Summary

Along for the Ride Timeline

Track the full timeline of Along for the Ride with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Along for the Ride Timeline

Along for the Ride Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Along for the Ride? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Along for the Ride Ending Explained

Along for the Ride Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Along for the Ride that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Along for the Ride Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Along for the Ride

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Along for the Ride: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Along for the Ride

Explore More About Movie Along for the Ride

Along for the Ride (2017) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Along for the Ride (2017) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Along for the Ride (2017) Ending Explained & Theories

Along for the Ride (2017) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow