Cruise

Cruise is a mesmerizing film set in the 1980s that blends romance with the backdrop of an exciting auto-world, an era when passion was ubiquitous and music was a significant part of everyone’s life. Released in 2018, the movie is directed by Robert D. Siegel and stars Spencer Boldman, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lucas Salvagno among others, who bring this timeless tale to life.

Spencer Boldman plays the role of Gio Marchetti, a blue-collar mechanic from the heart of the Italian-American neighbourhood in Queens, boasting the usual rebellious spirit and love for street car racing. He falls in love with the city’s lightning-speed nightlife and his old-school muscle cars, with a lifestyle revolving around girls, speed, and thrill.

The plot takes a turn when Emily Ratajkowski, playing the role of Jessica Weinberg, steps onto the scene. Jessica, an upscale Jewish girl from Long Island who goes by the pseudonym 'Francesca', encounters Gio during a casual visit to the gritty neighbourhood of Queens. Descending from her plush lifestyle seems like an exciting adventure to her, an opportunity to live on the edge and embrace all the thrills that life has to offer, far from the well-off life she's known.

Contrasting with the reckless boldness of Gio, Jessica brings an element of class, balance, and elegance to the brew. Jessica, pretending to be "Francesca," a vivacious girl from a less fortunate background, immerses herself in the exhilarating world of street car racing and discos to taste love and freedom in its raw form.

The two characters are drawn together in a sweltering summer romance that takes them down a fast-paced journey of exploring a world they both are alien to. As the summer nights hum with the vibrant 80s pop culture, they find themselves caught in a whirlwind romance, setting the stage for a passionate yet enigmatic love story.

Their exposure to a different world, distinctly alien to their regular lives, with the adrenaline-fueled car races and sweaty dance floors of the era, molds their perspective, pushing both Gio and Jessica to discover new facets to their personalities and lives. They experience the rollercoaster of emotions, complex feelings, fear, excitement, thrill, and passion.

However, the relationship is not as simple as it first seems. With the factor of class difference, secrets, and lies lurking in the background, tension brews between the couple, pushing them on a path of discovery, not just about each other, but also themselves.

Soaked in nostalgia, this romantic feature is not just about two individuals coming together; it is also about the thrilling fascination with speed and danger. Besides the romance, Cruise also offers audiences an ample taste of muscle car culture with Boldman's character routinely taking risk-filled, high-speed trips down the busy city streets of Queen's in his decked out classic cars. These scenes of well-shot street racing sequences give viewers an exhilarating ride and keep them on the edge of their seats.

As a tribute to the 1980s lifestyle, with its distinctive music, dance, and rebellion, Cruise vividly retells an era marked by its distinct culture and passions. Ratajkowski and Boldman offer compelling performances that make the characters relatable, feasible, and real. Meanwhile, Lucas Salvagno in supportive roles provides the necessary depth and contrast to the protagonists.

In essence, Cruise encapsulates the raw youthful energy of the 80's, the thrill of forbidden love, and the adrenaline rush of underground street racing. It explores these themes against a backdrop of a cultural clash between urban and suburban lifestyles, that adds elements of tension and excitement in the narrative. With its stellar performances and classic retro vibes, Cruise is a must-watch for those who fandom the intriguing era of the 80s, and enjoy a high-octane romance woven into an exciting auto world.