Can friends make a miserable experience better? Audrey is about to find out in Lionsgate’s new comedy “Joy Ride.” The film sees its lead character — played by “Emily in Paris” star Ashley Park — on a business trip gone bad. She goes to a childhood friend, a college pal, and a cousin to make it through.
The film marks an important milestone for its director, Adele Lim; before ‘Ride,’ the screenwriter worked on popular projects like “Raya and the Last Dragon” and “Crazy Rich Asians.” That experience helps her navigate the hilarious “Joy Ride” screenplay from Cherry Chevapravatdumrong & Teresa Hsiao. Chevapravatdumrong is notable in her own right, having written on “Family Guy” as well as “The Orville,” also acting as co-executive producer on both.
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The film’s official synopsis:
From the producers of “Neighbors” and the co-screenwriter of “Crazy Rich Asians,” “JOY RIDE” stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu. The hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centers on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. When Audrey’s (Ashley Park) business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of Lolo (Sherry Cola), her irreverent childhood best friend who also happens to be a hot mess; Kat (Stephanie Hsu), her college friend turned Chinese soap star; and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), Lolo’s eccentric cousin. Their no-holds-barred, epic experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.
Friendship defines an entire experience in “Joy Ride.” The film premieres in theaters on July 7, but debuts this week at SXSW, so watch for our review. Watch the trailer below.