What We Find on the Road – Review

What We Find on the Road, the debut feature from Chaysen Beacham, takes classic road trip movie elements, humour, heartbreak and a dash of self-discovery, throws them in the boot of a vintage ’68 convertible, and tries to steer them down a slightly darker path. The result? A heartfelt but uneven, exploration of family, forgiveness, and finding yourself amidst the chaos of life.

The film follows TJ (Finn Haney), a disillusioned teenager whose estranged father gifts him a rusting classic car for his 18th birthday. But there’s a catch, of course, to truly “claim” his inheritance, TJ must drive the car 3,000 miles cross-country to reunite with dear old dad. Armed with his best mate Jake (William Chris Sumpter) as his co-pilot, TJ embarks on a journey that’s as much about repairing relationships as it is about surviving the random antics of eccentric roadside characters.

Haney and Sumpter bring a natural on-screen chemistry that grounds the characters amidst the film’s more absurd moments. Sumpter’s arc feels massively underdeveloped.

The supporting cast is a mixed bag. Some characters, like Maeve played by Katherine Laheen, add depth and mystery to the journey the rest, like the police officers, had me thinking “Why?”.

Beacham’s direction and the cinematography of Eric Cochran and Cory Messer capture a stunning tapestry of American landscapes, lending a poetic quality to TJ’s voyage. The film is much like an American classic novel, it may be long and if it’s not your bag, a little dull.

The soundtrack deserves a nod. A mix of classic rock ballads and indie tunes perfectly complements the film’s themes of nostalgia and self-discovery.

What We Find on the Road isn’t without its flaws, but it’s hard to deny the heart behind it. Chaysen Beacham has crafted a visually arresting and emotionally resonant film that offers a poignant reminder of the importance of connection and the messy process of reconciliation.

If you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories with a bittersweet twist, or simply love the idea of a cinematic road trip through the American heartland, this film is well worth the ride. Just expect some unpaved roads, a few wrong turns and a couple of skid risks along the way.