Fox Hunt Drive is one of those rare films that manages to subvert every expectation you could have going into it. It relies on a few conveniences and the premise is simple, but it’s taken to heights you wouldn’t expect. As rideshare continues to grow, crime has been increasing as well, so this film couldn’t have arrived at a better moment. Fox Hunt Drive is a meticulous take on the worst scenario a rideshare employee can find themselves in.
Uber and Lyft certainly have made life easier for many individuals, but the drivers are always at risk when they let strangers into their car. Recently, there have been several criminal acts involving rideshare, which only adds to the unease offered in Fox Hunt Drive. Directed by Drew Walkup, the film stars Lizzie Zerebko, Michael Olavson, Ryan Forrestal, and J.R. Ridge. Fox Hunt Drive was written by Adam Armstrong and Marcus Devivo, it follows Allison Meyers (Zerebko), a struggling architect trying to make ends meet through rideshare. After deciding to take one more client for the evening, she finds herself in a treacherous situation.
Armstrong and Devivo take pleasure in making the audience feel for Allison before pulling the rug from underneath. Fox Hunt Drive includes some cleverly placed twists that will only add to the film’s rewatch value. A second viewing will lead viewers to watch certain scenes differently. Allison recently lost her architectural position and is very depressed, as she has dreamed of being an architect since she was a young girl. Those small details alone will be enough to feel for the character because many people spend time at a job while seeking something better. However, Allison’s position being lost is rooted in a bigger issue. Her nightly adventures as a driver lead her to meet Mike (Olavson), a thief with a drug addiction who has some personal demons.
Walkup does a terrific drop creating tension throughout the ride, as Allison and Mike have a seemingly normal conversation at first. Still, Mike’s mannerisms along with his intimidating gaze make Allison uncomfortable throughout their drive. Allison’s late-night spin eventually progresses to a nightmare fueled adventure. The writers effectively flesh out these two and give audiences a look into who they are, and what has brought them to this point. There is odd chemistry between them, and the performances are to thank for that. Zerebko is great at portraying this innocent driver who just wants her career to take off, and Olavson is amazing as the restrained, but menacing passenger.
Their performances alone will have audiences glued, and eager to witness what happens next. Allison is a seemingly polite individual with a squeaky clean resume behind her, and Zerebko brings that to life with ease. As mentioned above, Walkup masterfully creates tension during this drive and builds upon it when they are out of the car. The moment Mike enters Allison’s life, Walkup doesn’t let up and corners the audience into a very uncomfortable position. Also, the twists in this script really will catch many by surprise because every expectation is subverted. The cinematography by Anthony Kuhnz helps convey the terrifying nature throughout Fox Hunt Drive, while also elevating the audience’s concern for Allison.
Fox Hunt Drive is a well crafted independent film and another relevant feature that speaks to today’s society. While only grazing over the topic, the film does draw attention to mental instability and depression as well. Its simple premise is catapulted into a thrilling journey that will frighten those in the rideshare field. While it’s similar to other films, it packs enough to be considered refreshing at best.
