Ride the Eagle 2021

Leif, a man in his forties struggling with perpetual adolescence, barely scrapes by as a percussionist in a failing rock band. Living in a run-down shed on the outskirts of Los Angeles, he finds solace in the company of his loyal black Labrador, Nora. His life revolves around a continuous cycle of stagnation and apathy, lacking any real emotional ties.

When he receives the news that his free-spirited mother, Honey, has passed away from cancer, it hits him like a sudden bolt of lightning, yet his initial reaction is one of nonchalance. After all, he had cut ties with her many years ago when she abandoned him at age twelve, chasing a life of spirituality within a cult. Her few attempts to reconnect before her passing had fallen on deaf ears, leaving Leif indifferent.

To his surprise, Honey leaves him a legacy: her rustic cabin located in the breathtaking Yosemite National Park, contingent on his completion of several tasks recorded in a video message. These challenges are not merely chores but rather emotional triggers intended to awaken the feelings that Leif has long suppressed, serving as his mother’s final attempt to mend their fractured relationship.

Upon arriving at the cabin, Leif discovers it stocked with an impressive haul of marijuana—a testament to his mother’s playful spirit. The tasks assigned to him range from rowing across the lake to leaving a cheeky farewell note under the cover of night, and even catching a fish bare-handed for dinner. One task propels him to reconnect with his past love, Audrey, who is still grappling with her own recent breakup. Despite their undeniable chemistry over the phone, Audrey is hesitant to rekindle their romance, eventually agreeing to meet at the cabin. Just when hope flickers in Leif’s heart, he receives sobering news from Gorka—his band has let him go, and the shed he’s called home is set for demolition.

The situation spirals out of control as he discovers a terrifying scene: two rabbits have been dismembered and smeared across the windshield of his van. His final task, to perform a heartfelt song on his bongos, looms heavily over him. In an unexpected turn, Audrey cancels her visit, leaving Leif stranded in uncertainty. While out for a lonely walk, Nora, who stays behind reluctantly, mysteriously disappears, compelling Leif to call the authorities and pen a desperate note in the cabin, pleading for her safety.

Later that night, Carl, the irritable neighbor, breaks into the cabin, hurling scornful comments that reflect his own misunderstandings about Leif. Unbeknownst to Leif, Carl had mistakenly thought he was Nora’s lover rather than her son. The revelation shatters Leif, especially when Carl shares the heart-wrenching news of Nora’s mourning her absence from him. As Carl departs, he lists what he will miss about Honey and offers a tentative peace offering.

The next steps lead Leif to a pilgrimage at Green Lake, where he grapples with Nora’s ashes and a heartfelt letter she wrote. Returning to the cabin, he finds Nora safe but devoid of the cannabis stash, only to be left with a haunting video message urging him to reclaim control of his life.

As he contemplates his fate, Leif reaches out to Audrey again through text, ultimately deciding to embark on an exhausting eight-hour drive to reunite with her, hopeful for a new beginning.