9 Rides

9 Rides is an indie drama film from 2016 which is brought to life by writer and director Mathew A. Cherry. The film boasts an incredible performance by Dorian Missick in the lead role, along with fine acting by key supporting cast members like Omar J. Dorsey and Robinne Lee. It is an innovative film that was shot completely on an iPhone 6s, demonstrating radical ways to produce high-quality films on a low budget, making 9 Rides a groundbreaking masterpiece in the realm of indie cinema.

The film utilizes an ultra minimalist plot where most of the story unfolds within the confined space of an Uber driver's car. Dorian Missick delivers a compelling performance as an Uber driver who has seemingly had a bad day. Instead of following the traditional movie plot structure, the storyline of 9 Rides unfolds via a series of rides that the central character takes his passengers on during the course of one evening which is further enriched with deeply captivating dialogues and interactions.

Missick's character, an Uber driver based in Los Angeles, experiences New Year's Eve through these rides and the interactions he shares with his passengers. The rolling cast of passengers comes from various walks of life, each with their own unique stories to share and problems to solve. Throughout the film, Missick's character is forced to confront his own internal struggles, slowly revealing his personal story to the audience.

The film cleverly utilizes the real-time interactions within the confines of a car to develop the main character. The Uber driver is initially presented as a calm and easy-going individual. However, as the night progresses, we unravel layers of his personality and circumstances that add grit and intrigue to his persona.

The passengers that he picks up throughout the night are well-written and varied, each with their distinct quirks and personalities. They each bring a different dynamic to the driver’s night and serve as catalysts for his own personal deliberation and character development. Although it might seem that the driver is the listening ear for the passengers, it's clear that he is also grappling with his own issues. The movie is primarily drama, but it does include light-hearted moments and elements of comedy, romance, and even suspense.

Another key characteristic of the film is its phenomenal cinematography. Despite the challenges that come with shooting primarily in the dark and within the confined space of a car, the cinematographer beautifully captures Los Angeles' nocturnal beauty, presenting it as a character onto itself. The cityscape serves as a stunning backdrop that subtly enhances the mood and atmosphere of each conversation in the vehicle.

Despite the limited setting, 9 Rides never feels stagey or monotonous, thanks to the innovative shooting techniques and smart storytelling devices. In truly innovative fashion, the movie was shot entirely with an iPhone 6s, giving it a raw and intimate feel that aligns perfectly with the story’s overall aesthetic. It's remarkable how much can be done with such a minimalist setup, a testament to the effective storytelling and strong performance by the actors.

With its unique narrative approach, the movie breaks with traditional movie norms and pushes the envelope on what can be achieved with low-budget filmmaking. It manages to wrap up multiple sub-plots effectively as we journey through the narrative arc of the lead character's life, all within a single night.

9 Rides is anchored by Dorian Missick's gripping central performance with great supporting acts, including Omar J. Dorsey and Robinne Lee, rounding up the ensemble cast of passengers. The film is an exploration of struggles, growth, and self-realization, reminding us that sometimes, the most transformative journeys can occur in the most unexpected places – even within the confines of a car on a usual night of work.

In conclusion, 9 Rides is an indie gem that successfully combines drama, comedy, and social commentary. It's a diary of a single night driving Uber, teeming with genuine human connections that encapsulate a mosaic of loss, excitement, melancholy, happiness, guilt, and redemption. The film is a testament to the transformative power of simple storytelling and offers an unforgettable dramatic experience for viewers looking for something off the beaten track.