What Lies Ahead

What Lies Ahead is a thrilling drama and a road trip movie directed by Rob Gardner, packed with unexpected turns and suspenseful moments, keeping the audience on edge. Released in 2019, the film stars Rumer Willis, the daughter of Hollywood superstars Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, accompanied by Emma Dumont, famously known for her parts in major TV series like "Aquarius" and "The Gifted", and Kelly Blatz, regarded for his performance in "Prom Night".

The film plot is anchored in the idea of two women, strangers to one another, who are forced into an impromptu road trip together, driving through the American South. The stage is set for a thrilling narrative that is both conservative in its locations and expansive in its philosophy: a road trip through Southern America.

Rumer Willis plays Raven, a rescue driver who pursues her mission charged with the responsibility to fill in for Jessica, portrayed by Dumont. Jessica is a young woman who is moving from New York City to her boyfriend’s childhood home in Georgia. On the way, these two women discover things about themselves and their lives, weaving the narrative into a tapestry of confessions, revelations, and unexpected surprises before the pace picks up and mystery unfolds.

Starting as a typical road movie, What Lies Ahead explores the quiet and amusing dynamic between Raven and Jessica. As the story goes along, the narrative shifts and takes the audience into a heart of darkness. Raven and Jessica start to know each other, pushing and pulling over food, music and finally, the truth. Embodying antithetical personalities, Raven is a more laid-back and tough character, whereas Jessica is prissy and more particular. To see these contrasting characters evolve and unravel forms an integral part of the viewing experience.

Director Rob Gardner masterfully builds and unwinds the unexpected and unimagined mysteries and secrets. His directing skill is further emphasized in the way he presents the changing moods and intensities of the scenes, slowly peeling down the layers. Throughout their trip, our protagonists are thrown into an unending spiral of events which become inexorably complex and start to pry open damaging secrets.

The screenplay by William J. Viglione is deftly written, interweaving the mystery at a calm and paced rhythm that builds up the suspense gradually. The dialogues are sharp and intense, often revealing the backstory of the characters, their anxieties, fears, secrets, and their true nature, providing teeth to the suspense of the story.

The movie is not only about the complex relationship between its two protagonists but also a deep dive into discovering truths that lie beneath the exterior of each individual. Throughout the journey, they come face-to-face with their past, confront with the chaos of the present, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation in the end that poses the question of "What Actually Lies Ahead?" to everyone.

Kelly Blatz's character introduces more intensity and drama into the narrative as the film progresses. At the heart of the film lays many layers of secrets, regrets, betrayal and much more that adds richness as well as complexity to the narrative structure.

What Lies Ahead is a heart pounding, intense drama and thriller. A remarkable portrayal of the human psyche, the film is sure to keep the audience fixed to their seats till its extraordinary end. It is a captivating cinematic experience that probes into the heart of secrets, fear and the unanticipated elements of the human life while presenting a thrilling and mysterious ride throughout.