Joy Ride

In the autumn of 1998, the Chen family, including Wey, Jenny, and their daughter Lolo, make a significant move from their cultural home to a predominantly white neighborhood in Seattle. This relocation marks the beginning of an important chapter in their lives, filled with both opportunities and challenges.

Upon settling into their new neighborhood, the Chens meet the Sullivan family, consisting of Joe and Mary. The two families grow closer, with their daughters Lolo and Audrey forming a spirited friendship as they joyfully navigate the playgrounds together, exploring the richness of their differing backgrounds.

The innocence of Lolo and Audrey's friendship is abruptly disrupted when Lolo encounters a racial slur during their time at the playground. This incident sparks a series of events that significantly affect their lives and interpersonal relationships.

As the years go by, Audrey becomes a successful lawyer and faces her own struggles with discrimination. In contrast, Lolo embraces her family's cultural heritage, channeling her artistic talents to express herself in evocative ways, demonstrating the contrasting paths their lives have taken.

Audrey's career begins to heat up when her boss, Frank, assigns her to close a crucial deal with Chao in Beijing. Aware of Lolo's linguistic skills, she invites her childhood friend to join the trip as her translator, cementing their longstanding bond.

Lolo's quirky cousin, Deadeye, also joins the girls on this adventure as they navigate complex relationships and deal-related pressures. Their travels are filled with unexpected encounters, leading to humor and personal revelations.

While exploring nightlife in Beijing, the trio finds themselves amidst hilarity and embarrassment after a disastrous nightclub experience. This mishap serves as a comedic reminder of the unpredictability of their journey and the deepening of their friendship.

During a train ride, the group meets Jess, an American who pulls them into her chaotic world. Their journey spirals out of control, resulting in losing their passports and leaving them anxious about their future.

After being ejected from the train, the group finds refuge with former basketball star Baron Davis. This surprising encounter turns into a wild night, testing their limits and providing unforgettable memories.

Upon arriving in Haiqing, Lolo reconnects with her Nai Nai, who gifts Audrey a traditional outfit for a special meeting. The moment takes a shocking turn when they learn that Audrey is actually Korean, not Chinese, during their visit to an adoption agency.

With their passports missing and urgency rising, Deadeye devises a daring plan to smuggle the group onto a private jet to Seoul, pretending to be K-pop stars to avoid detection. This adventurous scheme encapsulates their creative and daring spirits.

Their impromptu K-pop performance goes viral, but not in the way they intended, spiraling into unexpected consequences that threaten not only their professional relationships but also their friendship. The event serves as a wake-up call for the group.

During a visit to the adoption agency, Audrey discovers painful truths about her biological mother, learning of her mother's passing. This revelation intertwines with moments of joy and sorrow, reshaping Audrey's understanding of her identity.

Back in Seattle, Audrey and Lolo confront the emotional complexity of their relationship, facing their vulnerabilities head-on. Their friendship grows deeper as they navigate their differences and learn to understand one another better.

As time passes, the friends reunite for another adventure in Paris, showcasing their growth and evolving identities. With Deadeye displaying her bold new tattoo, they celebrate the continuous journey of friendship, self-discovery, and self-expression.