Unfortunately, there are not many horse racing films, which is odd considering that this is one of the most widely popular sports.

However, once in a while, we get a jewel of a movie like “Ride Above” that can express the feelings behind the sport and the connection between these beloved animals and humans.

Ride Above is a drama film that will leave you speechless, and show you the true emotions and passion involved in horse racing. If you are not familiar with horse racing, you can learn more about it here: twinspires.com/liveracing

For now, let’s see what this movie is all about and when it comes out.

About Ride Above

This feature film is directed by Christian Duguay and casts Mélanie Laurent, Pio Marmaï, Carmen Kassovitz, and Carole Bouquet.

The horse riding drama is produced by Nolita Cinema and distributed by Les Films Opale. This means that the movie will be available in many places across Europe on its release date.

The movie Ride Above has been in production for quite some time and the official release date is scheduled for 21.12.2022.

Synopsis

As the story begins in 2001, Zoe is born into a stable full of racehorses owned by her parents, and Beautiful Intrigue is born into the stable as well. Beautiful Intrigue and Zoe grow up together as the teenage girl (Carmen Kassovitz, daughter of French actor/director Mathieu Kassovitz) develops an innate love for horses, which is supported by her supportive parents (Mélanie Laurent, and Pio Marmai).

Being born and raised around horses, Zoe leads a happy life at her parents’ racehorse stables, driven by the dream to one day be a jockey. There is nothing better for Zoe than being with horses, especially Beautiful Intrigue, the stable’s prize mare, who taught her to walk.

She recognizes in Tempest the champion her parents have been waiting and working for all their lives when Beautiful Intrigue gives birth to a foal that she names Tempest. Her dream of riding the winner is shattered when a panicked Tempest accidentally injures Zoe on a stormy night, leaving her permanently disabled.

Afraid of life, Zoe falls into despair, bringing her entire family down with her, especially her father, who is about to lose everything. In pursuit of her dream, Zoe will overcome the impossible with the support of her family and Seb, a stable hand gifted at communicating with horses.

Ride Above Production

Duguay’s (The Art of War, The Assignment) screenplay, written with Lilou Foglie and Christophe Donner (author of the novel on which the film is based), expertly tugs at the heartstrings without ever descending into excessive sentimentality.

Although the film avoids anthropomorphizing in its depiction of Zoe and her horse, parents may wish to have answers ready in case their young children ask for ponies after watching the film. The equestrian sequences are beautifully staged and edited.

As a result of its complex characterizations, sophisticated dialogue, and superb performances, Ride Above never feels overly manipulative or hokey.

Despite her maudlin attempts to gain our sympathy, Kassovitz delivers a heartbreaking performance in her central role, while Laurent portrays the fierce mother who refuses to let her daughter give up. Mottet-Klein and Becker make vivid impressions in supporting roles, while Marmai is equally effective as the loving father.

Final Words

This will be an impressive movie that every horse-riding enthusiast needs to watch. Even though there isn’t plenty of horse racing action in Ride Above, the film is a perfect example of all the emotions that are involved in the sport.

On top of that, it also shows the dark side of horse riding and the dangers that all riders need to overcome that can put their life in jeopardy.

After watching this movie, we’ll all have more appreciation for professional jockeys and learn more about how to handle a horse and all the dangers that come with the sport.