Ride (2015) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film takes place primarily in two locations: New York City, where Jackie works as a publishing editor and where Angelo attended NYU, and Santa Monica, California, where Angelo has moved to pursue surfing and a different lifestyle. The contrast between the fast-paced urban environment of NYC and the laid-back beach culture of Santa Monica underscores the story's thematic focus on choice and reinvention.

• new york city
• santa monica
• california
• setting
• locations
• beach town

The film is set in the present day, in contemporary times. This anchors the story in relatable, real-world settings where modern parenting pressures, career ambitions, and cross-country relocation feel grounded and recognizable to audiences.

• present day
• contemporary
• time period
• modern era

The movie explores three interconnected themes: Independence, as Angelo rejects his mother's planned NYC path to pursue surfing and self-direction; Family Boundaries, highlighting the tension between Jackie's overprotective parenting and Angelo's need for autonomy; and Self-Discovery, where both characters navigate personal growth through cross-country journey and new experiences.

• independence
• family boundaries
• self-discovery
• themes
• parenting
• autonomy

Surfing serves as a central symbol for life's unpredictability and the act of choosing one's own direction. For Angelo, it represents carving an independent identity away from his mother's expectations. For Jackie, learning to surf becomes a metaphor for embracing change, letting go of control, and rediscovering her own youthful spontaneity.

• surfing
• symbol
• metaphor
• waves
• freedom
• identity

Jackie Durning is a New York City editor and single mother who has guided her son Angelo toward a writing career. She is driven and controlling by nature, struggling to accept Angelo's choices when he drops out of NYU and moves to California to pursue surfing. Her arc involves learning to let go and redefine her own life beyond being just a mother.

• jackie durning
• helen hunt
• mother
• editor
• single parent
• parenting

Angelo Durning is Jackie's son, a young man torn between his mother's expectations for him to become a writer in NYC and his own desire for independence. He drops out of NYU, moves to Santa Monica to pursue surfing, and eventually finds his way back to academia on his own terms. His journey represents the struggle for self-direction and resilience.

• angelo durning
• brenton thwaites
• son
• nyu
• surfing
• independence
• college

The relationship between Jackie and Angelo is strained by her controlling nature and his need for autonomy. Jackie has groomed him toward a specific path, and her attempts to manage his life create conflict throughout the film. Their journey involves difficult conversations about space, trust, and ultimately learning to respect each other's separate paths while staying connected.

• mother son
• relationship
• conflict
• parenting
• family dynamic
• autonomy

Ian is a local surfer in Santa Monica who teaches Jackie to ride the waves. He serves as a romantic interest and embodies the easygoing wisdom of beach life. Through their connection, Jackie learns to embrace a more carefree lifestyle and gains perspective on letting go of her old role as the sole director of her son's life.

• ian
• david zayas
• surfer
• romance
• santa monica
• mentor

Peter is Angelo's father who lives in California with his pregnant second wife and young daughter. His family setup illustrates the competing loyalties and different life paths available to Angelo, highlighting the complexity of choosing between two family worlds and symbolizing the alternative future Angelo could have if he stayed on the West Coast.

• peter
• robert knepper
• father
• california
• family
• second family

The film carries a bittersweet tone, balancing the sadness of Jackie's overbearing control and the grief of losing the dependent relationship with her son against the hopefulness of self-discovery and reconciliation. While themes of grief and codependent habits are present, the story maintains optimism through its focus on healthy separation and mutual growth.

• tone
• bittersweet
• emotional
• tone
• mood
• optimism
• themes

Ramon is Jackie's driver who tracks Angelo's journey from New York to California. He provides practical support throughout the cross-country pursuit and serves as a cautious, loyal counterpoint to Angelo's youthful enthusiasm. His role anchors the literal journey and adds a grounded, supportive presence to Jackie's quest.

• ramon
• luke wilson
• driver
• support
• chase
• loyal