Alex Roe, Jack Topalian & Shakira Barrera Starring In Feature ‘The Ride’, Told From Perspective Of A ‘76 Plymouth

The short film "The Ride," originally directed by Slava Denisov, is transitioning into a full-length feature, with production slated to begin in Los Angeles this fall. This innovative project offers a unique storytelling approach, unfolding entirely from the vantage point of a 1976 Plymouth automobile. The narrative chronicles the vehicle’s passage through time, witnessing various episodes in the lives of its different owners.

The film’s premise centers on the car as a silent observer of life’s complex moments, capturing themes of freedom, temptation, and redemption. Throughout its journey, the Plymouth comes into contact with a diverse cast of characters, including a failed actress, a man grappling with desperation, and a pair of fugitives. Each owner leaves an imprint that the car metaphorically retains, providing a reflective lens on human experiences across decades.

This project builds upon the success of the original short film, which debuted at the LA Shorts International Film Festival and was showcased at over 40 additional festivals worldwide. Garnering 18 awards, the short featured narration by Ron Perlman and demonstrated a compelling capacity to resonate with audiences through its inventive perspective.

Denisov co-created the story with writer Grigory Borodavkin, who also scripted the feature. The visual tone of the film is set to be shaped by cinematographer Andrey Valentsov, reprising his role from the short. Production responsibilities are shared by Denisov alongside Daniel Shapovalov and Elena Serebryannaya of 552 Films, with Oscar-nominated screenwriter and producer Paul Tamasy contributing his expertise.

The cast assembled for the feature includes Alex Roe, known for his role in "The 5th Wave," Jack Topalian from "Euphoria," and Shakira Barrera, recognized for her performance in Netflix’s "GLOW." Adding to the production’s executive team are Elizaveta Menis, Roe, Topalian, and Kico Velarde, a multi-time Emmy nominee noted for his work on "Jay Leno’s Garage."

Roe recently garnered attention for his portrayal of Pat Garrett in Amazon’s "Billy the Kid," acting alongside Tom Blyth. Barrera’s role as Yolanda, or Yo-Yo, on "GLOW" has similarly established her as a notable presence in contemporary television drama. Their involvement signals a blend of emerging and established talent poised to bring depth to this unconventional narrative.

The production’s choice to tell the story through the car’s perspective emphasizes the universality of memory and attachment, a concept echoed by audience reactions during the short film’s festival run. Viewers frequently recounted personal anecdotes related to their own vehicles, underscoring the film’s emotional resonance.

While precise details regarding the feature’s release schedule remain limited, the commencement of filming in Los Angeles this fall marks a significant step forward. The collaborative efforts behind "The Ride" suggest a careful expansion of the original concept into a broader cinematic experience.

Industry representation for the lead actors spans several notable agencies: Roe is affiliated with Gersh, Megan Silverman Management, and Goodman Genow; Topalian is represented by Stewart Talent and Silver J Management; Barrera holds representation with Innovative Artists, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Goodman Genow.

"The Ride" aims to blend innovative narrative form with character-driven storytelling, offering audiences an introspective journey through decades of human stories as seen from an enduring symbol of Americana—the classic Plymouth automobile. The project highlights a creative exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time through an unconventional narrative vehicle.