Watch Lady Driver
- PG
- 2020
- 1 hr 44 min
-
5.8 (1,934)
Lady Driver is a 2020 sports drama film that revolves around the life of a teenage girl named Ellie Lansing (played by Grace Van Dien) who aspires to become a professional race car driver. Directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino, the film narrates the story of Ellie and her journey towards achieving her dream in the face of various obstacles.
As the movie opens, we see Ellie, a rebellious teenager, struggling to cope with her mother's death in a car accident. She lives with her father (played by Sean Patrick Flanery), a former race car driver himself, who has turned to drinking to deal with his grief. Ellie, who has grown up around racing tracks, is determined to pursue her dreams and follow in her mother's footsteps as a race car driver. However, her father is fiercely protective and forbids her from racing, fearing for her safety.
Despite her father's opposition, Ellie begins working as an intern in a local garage and convinces her boss (played by Christina Moore) to teach her how to race. She soon discovers that racing is not an easy sport, and the competition is intense, especially for women. However, Ellie is determined to overcome all the obstacles and make a name for herself in the racing world.
One of the central conflicts of the film is Ellie's struggle to maintain a balance between her passion for racing and her responsibilities towards her family. She is torn between her love for the sport and her father's demand for her to keep away from racing. Her father, who has never fully recovered from his wife's death, is struggling to connect with his daughter, and their relationship is strained.
As Ellie enters the racing scene, she faces several challenges and encounters harsh criticism from her rivals, who view her as a novelty act. However, she remains focused and determined and gradually earns the respect of her peers. With the help of her mentor and boss, Ellie begins to hone her racing skills and participates in her first race.
The film's portrayal of racing is gripping, with a fair amount of time devoted to the technical aspects of the sport. The adrenaline-pumping race sequences are beautifully shot, and the film does a good job of showcasing the thrill and excitement that comes with racing.
As Ellie's reputation as a racer grows, she finds herself at a crossroads. With her father's approval still elusive, Ellie must make a tough decision about her future. Ellie's journey towards self-discovery forms the crux of the film, and it is heartening to see her growth as a character throughout the movie.
Grace Van Dien delivers a convincing performance as Ellie, and her portrayal of the character's grit and determination is commendable. Sean Patrick Flanery is impressive as Ellie's father, and his portrayal of a grieving parent struggling to come to terms with his loss is poignant. Christina Moore is excellent as Ellie's boss and mentor, bringing a sense of nuance to her character.
In conclusion, Lady Driver is a heartwarming sports drama that showcases the importance of perseverance, determination, and family. It is a must-watch for those who love racing or sports dramas in general, and it is bound to leave you feeling inspired.