Road Less Traveled: A New Love, An Old Love and a Song

Sometimes streaming services “recommend” movies to users based on their prior history. Oftentimes it’s a miss because the recommendation is so far off what the user actually does watch and enjoy. One of the films that continued to crop up in my Amazon searches was a little indie called Road Less Traveled.

Road Less Traveled (2017) Film Review 

Living in L.A. and working as a songwriter is all part of the “perfect plan” for Charlotte (Lauren Alaina). Then there’s her upcoming wedding to her favorite guy in the world, Spencer (Jason Burkey). Only one little thing stands between Charlie and her ‘I Dos’: the perfect dress! None of the dozens of dresses she tries on in fancy boutiques live up to her dream dress which was her mothers. Only trouble is, her grandmother refuses to let Charlie have it.

Inspired by her fiancé, Charlie decides to move her bachelorette party from Napa to her Southern hometown. Along with her two best friends, she packs a bag and heads south in the hopes she can convince her grandmother to see things differently. The only trouble is, Charlie has a song due and her writer’s block is worse than ever, plus being home reminds of a past that somehow, she needs to come to terms with.

 This film isn’t really anything like I expect it to be, but it does ooze Southern charm; and places an emphasis on country music. Of course, its leading lady being a former American Idol contender and now recording artist is likely why this is so. In addition to playing Charlotte, Alaina also acts as executive producer. With her song working as the inspiration (and title) of this film, it’s a natural role for her to step into.

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This film does have some flaws. The acting, staging and reactions don’t have the same staging or “right” timing as they should be. That said, like any film, this one still has charm that overcomes the minor flubs and flaws. One of the sweetest things about Road Less Traveled is the romance threads.

As this begins to play, I’ll be honest, I didn’t think this one would be a romance. It just doesn’t have that kind of “first impression.” But as the story progresses, a romance does takes shape, and though it’s unfortunately explored in great detail, it is handled with a delicate touch that suits the character so well. Unfortunately, I do think the “other romance” (or the primary love story) resolves with too much “doubt” in the air. To say more will spoil things; and realize I’m over-analyzing this, but the viewer feels doubt because doubt lingers for the character. That said, the end opposes the norm of typical romances, and for this I applaud its creativity.

If you enjoy films that emphasize family and finding where “home” (and heart) is, then Road Less Traveled is a nice way to spend any evening.

Content: there’s nothing overly bothersome in this script. An implication suggests an unmarried couple live together; and there’s some social drinking (a couple of scenes depict characters being drunk).

Photos: MarVista Entertainment