Hold Fast, Good Luck is an indie drama-thriller film directed by Princeton Holt and released in 2020. Starring J.J. Nolan, Olivia Hamilton, and Katarina Hughes, the film tells the story of two young women, Ruby and Vida, who are on a road trip across the American Southwest. The movie opens with Ruby and Vida, two friends from Brooklyn, setting out on a trip to visit Vida's uncle in California. They are driving a vintage yellow convertible and have no particular itinerary, only a vague sense of adventure and freedom. The beginning of their journey is carefree and filled with laughter, as they soak up the beautiful landscapes and enjoy each other's company.
As the miles go by, however, tensions begin to rise between the two friends. Ruby is ambitious, impulsive, and often reckless, while Vida is more cautious, responsible, and level-headed. Their differences in character create several conflicts along the way, and their friendship is put to the test.
Things take a dark turn when they stop at a remote gas station in a desert town. As they refuel the car, they are approached by a group of sketchy men who offer to sell them drugs. Ruby, eager to experience everything the world has to offer, is immediately interested, while Vida is hesitant and afraid. The situation escalates quickly, and the girls find themselves in grave danger.
The rest of the movie is a tense and thrilling race against time, as Ruby and Vida try to escape their captors and make their way back to safety. Along the way, they meet several other characters who help or hinder their journey, including a kind truck driver, a paranoid survivalist, and a mysterious hitchhiker.
One of the strengths of Hold Fast, Good Luck is the rich and detailed portrayal of the American Southwest. The film was shot on location in several states, and the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful. From vast deserts to rugged mountains, from neon-lit cities to ghost towns, the landscapes are as much a character in the story as the human protagonists. The film also explores the themes of friendship, identity, and self-discovery, as Ruby and Vida each face their own demons and come to terms with who they are and what they want out of life.
The acting in Hold Fast, Good Luck is strong across the board, with J.J. Nolan and Olivia Hamilton giving standout performances as Ruby and Vida, respectively. Nolan brings a raw vulnerability and intensity to her role, as she struggles with her inner demons and tries to come to grips with the consequences of her actions. Hamilton, on the other hand, imbues Vida with a quiet strength and resilience, as she confronts her fears and fights to protect herself and her friend. Katarina Hughes also shines in a supporting role as the mysterious and enigmatic hitchhiker, who adds a touch of intrigue and suspense to the plot.
Overall, Hold Fast, Good Luck is a well-crafted indie drama-thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. With its stunning visuals, strong performances, and engaging story, it is a testament to the power of indie cinema to tell original and compelling stories with limited resources. If you're a fan of road movies, thrillers, or coming-of-age stories, this film is definitely worth checking out.
Hold Fast, Good Luck is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.
