Pooling to Paradise (2021)

Pooling to Paradise Poster

Jenny (Lynn Chen, Saving Face, Go Back To China), a Los Angeles mom, leaves her family for a blogger convention in Vegas, and accidentally chooses “pool” on her rideshare app, placing her in a car full of strangers including struggling activist Kara (Dreama Walker, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Gran Torino), heartbroken talent agent Sean (Jonathan Lipnicki, The Resident, Jerry Maguire) on a quest to find Dawn (Taryn Manning, Orange is the New Black, Hustle and Flow), and their hipster/anarchist/shaman driver, Marc (Jordan Carlos, First Wives Club, Broad City). Personalities clash, vulnerabilities unwind, and bonds form as they each find their own personal Paradise. Full of humor, heart, pathos and a psilocybin drug trip in Death Valley, Jentis’ script is a relatable millennial road trip rom-com perfect for summer.

Introduction
"Pooling to Paradise" is an indie road-trip comedy film released in 2021, directed by Roxy Shih and composed by Caytha Jentis. The film includes an ensemble cast including Lynn Chen, Jonathen Lipnicki, Dreama Walker, and Taryn Manning. It takes viewers on an unexpected journey as four strangers share a ride via an automobile pool from Los Angeles to the paradise of Las Vegas while finding their own versions of personal flexibility and improvement along the method.

The Plot
The story centers around Jenny (Lynn Chen), an aspiring author grappling with the frustration of her unfinished dreams. In a desperate effort to go after an unbelievable chance, she organizes a rideshare from LA to Vegas to participate in the Young Storytellers Awards. Along for the ride is Sean (Jonathan Lipnicki), an adorable mawkish awkward soul looking for to reconnect with his high school sweetheart; Marc (Jordan Carlos), a skilled funnyman preparing for an essential efficiency; and Tanya (Taryn Manning), an enigmatic lady with an air of secrecy shrouding her intents.

As this quartet sets out on their drive throughout the desert, they initially appear to have little in typical. Yet, as the miles pass, they gradually start to open up to each other, sharing their personal adversities, dreams, and worries. The confined quarters of their ride force intimacy, and the forced nearness acts as a driver for self-discovery and the creating of unanticipated bonds.

Character Development and Dynamics
The heart of "Pooling to Paradise" depends on its character development and the dynamics between the riders. Jenny's firmly wound nature starts to unravel as she confronts insecurities about her career and individual life. Sean, who in the beginning glance appears hopelessly naïve, shows a profound capability for love and understanding as his backstory unwinds. Marc uses humor as his shield however is driven by a deep desire for recognition and success, while Tanya's mystical external shell conceals deep wells of pain and intricacy.

As conversations deepen and realities are exposed, the characters realize that while they may each be struggling, they are not alone in their struggles. Their shared journey becomes as much about internal expedition as it has to do with reaching their location.

Styles and Message
"Pooling to Paradise" checks out styles of connection, self-realization, and the nerve to pursue one's dreams, no matter how distant they may seem. The film illustrates how the journey towards self-understanding is complex and frequently requires us to break out of our convenience zones. It also highlights the significance of chance encounters and the way our lives can intertwine spontaneously and meaningfully with those of complete strangers.

Through laughter, tears, and a series of soul-baring conversations, the group experiences a collective epiphany about the significance of following one's enthusiasm and the appeal of unforeseen relationships.

Conclusion
The movie concludes with the travelers getting here in Las Vegas, each of them altered in basic methods by their shared journey. They face a future that isn't necessarily certain or easier but pushed by a newfound strength and understanding about themselves and the human connections they've made.

With its intimate scale and character-centric focus, "Pooling to Paradise" becomes an informative study into the intricacies of humanity and the often-unpredictable course life can take. While the film may not be a blockbuster, it provides an interesting view of 4 diverse people discovering commonalities and in turn, finding parts of themselves they have actually long forgotten or never ever knew existed.

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