Ride Like a Girl

Ride Like a Girl is an inspiring 2019 drama sports film directed by Rachel Griffiths. Boasting a notable cast composed of Teresa Palmer, Hollywood veteran Sam Neill, and Brooke Satchwell, the film expertly blends heartfelt family drama with high-stakes sports action.

The movie positions itself as a triumphant tale of resilience and dreams. It tells the real-life story of Michelle Payne, the first woman jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, Australia’s most prestigious horse racing event. Through this narrative, the film explores themes of determination, family, courage, and gender in the male-dominated world of horse racing.

In an impassioned lead performance, Teresa Palmer steps into the shoes of Michelle Payne, displaying both the façade of a constant competitor and the vulnerability of a young woman trying to carve her own path. Through her performance, Palmer showcases the trials and tribulations Michelle had to face while pursuing her lofty ambitions in a sport that constantly put her in danger. The film uses Michelle’s journey as a poignant exploration of a woman’s fight for equality and recognition in a sport notoriously associated with masculinity.

Sam Neill portrays Paddy Payne, Michelle’s father, who is also a key figure in her life. Neill deftly brings to life his character's struggle as a widower, single-handedly raising his ten children and instilling a love of horse racing in them, especially Michelle. The backbone of the movie is the dynamic between Paddy and Michelle - their relationship is depicted with authenticity, showcasing a complex mix of parental concern, understanding, resistance, and ultimately, mutual respect.

Brooke Satchwell plays Therese, one of Michelle’s many siblings providing emotional support throughout her journey. This assortment of supporting characters adds depth to the narrative, showing the symbiotic relationship between Michelle's family life and her competitive career, reinforcing that success is often a collective effort.

A striking aspect of Ride Like a Girl is the heart-racing horse-racing sequences that are both thrilling and visually beautiful. Blending stunning cinematography, often showing lush green racecourses and thoroughbreds in action, with a spine-tingling soundtrack, the film brings the electrifying environment of horse racing to life, immersing the audience in the heart of the sporting action.

However, the film is not all exhilarating horse races and dreams of glittering trophies. It also portrays the personal and professional hardships Michelle faces, from horrifying accidents on the tracks to the dismissive attitude of her male colleagues. This combination of highs and lows offers a varied and complete picture of Michelle’s journey, simultaneously exploring the challenging reality of the sport and her courage and perseverance.

On the technical front, Ride Like a Girl employs a wonderful blend of rich color palettes and powerful sound design that makes for a deeply impactful spectacle. From serene and picturesque rural landscapes to bustling and dynamic racecourses, the movie generates diverse atmospheres using its visual splendor. All the while, the euphonious music score further heightens emotions, complimenting the charged scenes and grounding the introspective moments.

Under Rachel Griffiths’ direction, the movie succeeds in not just depicting an historical event but also in crafting an uplifting narrative about the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit. While delivering an accurate account of Michelle’s story, the film shies away from being a simple biography but instead, it positions itself as a powerful and relatable tale of overcoming adversity, delivering a universal message that resonates widely.

Ride Like a Girl is both an entertaining sports drama and an emotionally stirring tale of perseverance. It poses an immersive depiction of the horse racing world, coupled with an insightful examination of a woman’s struggle to breakthrough in a male-dominated industry. Supported by commendable performances from its main cast, engrossing storytelling, and enthralling visuals, this film promises an engaging experience for viewers who enjoy true stories, sports dramas, and narratives about overcoming adversity.