Watch Race You to the Bottom

Race You to the Bottom is a charming and sensual indie drama from 2005, directed by Russell Brown, and starring Ruben Dario, Kristin Hensley, and Cole Williams. The film tells the story of a couple, Nathan and Maggie, who embark on a road trip to California's wine country, hoping to escape their respective relationship problems and rediscover their passion for each other.

Nathan (Ruben Dario) is a gay travel writer who has recently ended a long and tumultuous relationship with a man named Brad. Maggie (Kristin Hensley) is a straight magazine journalist whose boyfriend has just dumped her. The two meet at a party and hit it off, attracted to each other's wit and frankness. After a night of drinking and dancing, they impulsively decide to drive to wine country together, planning to visit wineries and have fun.

As they hit the road, their flirtation deepens into something more, and they begin to confide in each other about their past relationships and desires. Nathan admits that he misses Brad, but also feels free to explore his sexuality with Maggie. Maggie tells Nathan that she wants to have a child, but is hesitant to do so with her ex-boyfriend or any man she's currently dating. The two begin to have hot and heavy sexual encounters, which they agree are only temporary and strictly physical.

Along the way, they meet a sexy and mysterious hitchhiker named Brendan (Cole Williams), who adds a new dynamic to their relationship. Brendan is an aspiring musician and poet who seems to be drawn to both Nathan and Maggie, and they reciprocate his interest. The three of them embark on a playful and sensual triad, enjoying each other's company and exploring their sexual boundaries.

However, as they near the end of their trip, tensions begin to mount between Nathan and Maggie, as they realize that they have different expectations for their relationship. Nathan wants to continue exploring his sexuality with both men and women, while Maggie wants a more stable and traditional relationship. Brendan, too, has his own secrets and desires that threaten to upend the delicate balance they've created.

Race You to the Bottom is a beautifully shot and acted film that captures the bittersweet joys and struggles of modern relationships. The chemistry between the three leads is palpable and authentic, and their conversations are witty, funny, and emotionally resonant. The film explores themes of sexual identity, commitment, and the search for meaning and connection in a world that often seems chaotic and confusing.

Ruben Dario shines as Nathan, bringing nuance and vulnerability to his portrayal of a man grappling with his own desires and insecurities. Kristin Hensley is also excellent as Maggie, conveying her intelligence, wit, and warmth with ease. Cole Williams, in his first film role, is a revelation as Brendan, bringing a magnetic and elusive quality to his character that keeps the audience guessing until the very end.

Overall, Race You to the Bottom is a captivating and emotionally rich film that celebrates the complexity and beauty of human relationships.

Race You to the Bottom is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0 and a MetaScore of 50.