The Road Within 2015

As the profound sorrow of his mother’s demise weighs heavily on him, Vincent, played by Robert Sheehan, is a teenager facing the challenges of Tourette syndrome. He finds himself confined to a behavioral facility by his father, where he unexpectedly connects with Alex, portrayed by Dev Patel, a young man grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Marie, beautifully depicted by Zoë Kravitz, a recovering anorexia nervosa patient striving to rediscover who she is.

Their unlikely friendship is suddenly disrupted when Vincent’s repressed feelings erupt due to a child’s intrusive filming, causing him to react aggressively. This prompts a meeting with Mia Rose, the understanding doctor, who aims to address their behavior. However, Marie seizes the moment to steal the car keys, igniting a series of events that would drastically alter their lives.

In the midst of their spontaneous escape during the night, Alex’s instinct leads him to warn Rose and alert the authorities, but he is captured by the very people he sought to notify. Driven by a shared desire for freedom, Vincent, Marie, and Alex head toward the ocean, where Vincent hopes to perform a ritual of closure by scattering his mother’s ashes. However, his memories of their beloved beach outings are unclear, ultimately steering them toward Santa Cruz.

Meanwhile, Rose discreetly communicates Vincent’s disappearance to his father, Robert, leading them to unite efforts to track down the trio. Throughout this adventure, a profound emotional bond develops between Marie and Vincent, evolving into a romance that will indelibly change their lives.

Their path leads them to the ocean’s shore, where Marie suddenly collapses, necessitating an urgent detour to the hospital. In that critical moment, the group is brought together once more, but Marie, now restrained and being force-fed, begs Vincent to make a run for it. In defiance, he chooses to confront his father in a heartfelt discussion filled with reconciliation and remorse.

As their tumultuous journey comes to an end, Vincent decides to remain in Santa Cruz, drawn to the hope of being close to Marie. In a surprising twist, Alex opts to refrain from reuniting with Rose, instead choosing to stay with Vincent, as they embark on a journey to discover a sense of belonging and purpose within the sun-drenched charm of this coastal town.