It seems that “Blair Witch Project” is still having an impact on filmmakers, with Prathamesh Patil implementing the approach of the American classic through the prism of vlogging and social media.
“The Longest Ride” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
An over-enthusiastic YouTube vlogger who uploads videos of his rides with his bicycle, decides to take a longer trip, this time towards the bushes of Gorai. However, this rather urban boy finds himself having to face nature and realizes how ill-equipped he is, both mentally and practically. Danger becomes imminent, but a “Deus Ex Machina” appearance helps the protagonist avoid the worse. Was the whole thing worth it though?
Patil directs a short that seems to comment on the impact of social media and online fame, particularly on young people, with the protagonist essentially falling victim to it, in his effort to do something extreme, that will increase his audience. The way the whole thing turns on him highlights the comment, but also his overall mentality, since as soon as he starts feeling helpless, he begins accusing his audience. The help he receives, and the almost condescending attitude of his saviours adds another layer to his character and the overall comment on social media, by highlighting how ridiculous both his whole effort and the supposed danger he experienced was.
On the other hand, the ending of the short seems to go against all the aforementioned, by implementing a comment that seems to state why “it is all worth it”, in an aspect that looks disconnected, naive, and kind of cliche in the way the girl is implemented. This part essentially muddies all the movie was about before, essentially making the general message quite confusing and faulting the overall contextual quality of the production.
In terms of production, the movie is quite decent. DP Akash Bando captures the trip in a “Blair Witch Project” style that works well, while also being realistic in the presentation of how the whole vlogger thing works. Akash Bando, Anish Rao & Prathamesh Patil's editing is also on a high level, inducing the movie with a rather fast pace, while the presentation of the social media windows on screen adds a sense of entertainment to the short.
“The Longest Ride” is an interesting short, and quite well-shot despite its evident low budget. Patil, however, needs to be more sure about his comments and the way of their presentation within the narrative, if he is to move onto the next level.
