Gasoline Rainbow - An Authentic Journey of Gen-Z Youth
Directed by: Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross
Starring: Nathaly, Makai, Nichole, Tony, Micah
**Rating:** ★★★★☆
Brothers Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross blur the lines between documentary and fiction with their latest film, “Gasoline Rainbow.” By casting five non-acting teens to form the story’s central friend group, the directors create an atmosphere where authenticity shines through, making the viewer question how much direction was truly given. This lack of overt fabrication results in a film that feels genuine and raw.
A Road Trip to the Pacific
The film follows Nathaly, Makai, Nichole, Tony, and Micah as they approach high school graduation—a time filled with uncertainty and the impending responsibilities of adulthood. Living in the small town of Wiley, Oregon, the group decides to embark on a spontaneous road trip to see the Pacific Ocean, 513 miles away. They pack into a van and set off across the American West, embracing a carefree attitude. Along the way, they smoke weed, discuss music, and encounter a variety of intriguing individuals.
The Essence of Youth
“Gasoline Rainbow” is a road film in the truest sense. The only glimpses of “home” are brief views of high school IDs and childhood bedrooms. Everything else is the open road, with the teens traversing abandoned towns, turbine fields, and making quick familial drop-ins. This journey conflates the experience of youth with the physicality of their travels, capturing the essence of their transitional phase in life.
Individual Stories, Collective Experience
Through voiceovers atop stunning landscapes, we learn about the characters’ backgrounds, including alcoholic parents and feelings of racial isolation. These personal stories, though individualized, are presented as universal experiences of Gen-Z youth. The film doesn't focus on one specific story but rather creates a tapestry of shared anxieties and hopes.
Innocuous Moments and Emotional Depth
What stands out in “Gasoline Rainbow” are the seemingly innocuous moments—the conversations and nonverbal interactions between the friends and the people they meet. Their blend of emotional awareness and occasional immature actions is charming and relatable. While specific dialogues may not be memorable, the film leaves a lasting impression of familiarity, nostalgia, and spirit.
Romantic and Picturesque Direction
The Ross brothers’ direction is both romantic and picturesque. The film is filled with postcard-like shots and freeze frames that emphasize the beauty of the American West. The framing often highlights the scale of the environment, with the teens appearing small against vast landscapes. This visual contrast underscores the significance of their journey and the impact of their personalities and wisdom.
A Multicultural Soundtrack and Genuine Interactions
The teens’ soundtrack includes everything from Biggie Smalls to Enya, reflecting the multicultural influences that shape their story. They connect with a diverse array of people, from like-minded teens to punky hobos who become mentors. These interactions, coupled with their sometimes precarious decisions, create a film that feels authentic and poignant.
A Living, Breathing Portrait of Gen-Z
“Gasoline Rainbow” is not a caricature of Gen-Z but a genuine portrayal of youth. The Ross brothers’ hands-off technique allows the teens’ natural dynamics to shine. As a Gen-Zer myself, it’s refreshing to see a depiction that goes beyond internet prowess, mental health awareness, and political activism. The film captures the central tenet of youth—the journey of self-discovery and the optimism of venturing into the unknown.
“Gasoline Rainbow” is a joyful, hopeful reminder of the essence of youth, delivering an awe-inspiring portrayal of Gen-Z on the brink of adulthood.