9 Rides

9 Rides is a 2016 independent drama film directed by Matthew A. Cherry. The movie follows a Lyft driver named Eric (played by Dorian Missick) who works on the eve of New Year's Eve. Throughout the course of the night, Eric picks up nine different passengers and gains insights into their lives, struggles, dreams and hardships.

The story of 9 Rides unfolds in real-time, as Eric drives around the streets of Los Angeles picking up various riders. His passengers range from a party girl who's had too much to drink to a man who is going to see his son for the first time in years. Eric listens to their stories and tries to offer them advice, but also learns some things about his own life along the way.

The movie is a character study of Eric as well as his passengers. Despite the fact that his passengers change frequently, Eric is the only constant in the movie. We see him deal with various challenges throughout the course of the night, including getting lost, dealing with rowdy passengers, and struggling to connect with his riders on a deeper level.

The film's pacing is deliberate and slow, and the narrative unfolds gradually as Eric's passengers shift in and out of his car. The movie seeks to capture the vibe of Los Angeles at night, with its neon lights, strip malls, and various quirks.

The performances in 9 Rides are solid, with Dorian Missick standing out as Eric. He brings a lot of depth and nuance to the role, and is able to convey a lot through subtle gestures and expressions. The supporting cast is also strong, with Omar J. Dorsey and Robinne Lee delivering standout performances as two of Eric's passengers.

One interesting aspect of the film is how it uses the Lyft platform as a framing device. Each time Eric picks up a new passenger, the film shows the passenger's name and rating, as if they were a real rider in the Lyft app. This helps to ground the film in reality and gives it a sense of authenticity.

Overall, 9 Rides is a low-key drama that explores the lives of ordinary people in Los Angeles. It's a character-driven film that focuses on the human connections that can be formed in the most unlikely of places. While it may not be the most action-packed or thrilling movie, it's a thoughtful and well-crafted film that is worth watching.