Life’s road will always take you where you want to go.
In Soul’s Road, we’re introduced to Ronan Garrett (Dallas Smith), a country music superstar who ruins his solo career. Feeling lost and directionless, Ronan returns to his hometown in an attempt to rediscover who he is and repair the relationships he abandoned almost a decade ago. Taking a job in the local music store, Ronan professes to be a changed man. But his friends aren’t so sure, especially Lindsay (Camille Stopps), the one great love he left behind. As the healing process begins, Ronan begins to feel the call back to the world of music, albeit with a new approach.
Directed by Joel Stewart, Soul’s Road is a delightfully charming romance that knows where it wants to take you. While the film doesn’t quite fit into the vein of ‘Hallmark movie’, there’s a sweetness to the piece that is undeniable. Chemistry between its leads is heartwarming and the characters are likable. This is the sort of feel-good romance that never rocks the boat but still draws the viewer into the story.
It’s like a cup of hot cocoa. And there’s nothing wrong with that.
Certainly, one of the key notes that sets Road apart from other films like this is its soundtrack. With Default front man Dallas Smith in the lead role, Stewart makes full use of the singer’s talent without ever taking away from the story itself. This isn’t a film that (often) starts and stops for music breaks. Instead, it becomes a natural addition to the film’s tale of redemption and romance. And, of course, Smith makes the most of the opportunity to showcase his vocal skills. (It’s also worth noting that the film’s main track is an utterly enjoyable earworm as well.)
As an actor, Smith also does an admirable job bringing a sort of downhome aloofness to Ronan that makes him feel earnest. He plays the character with humility and, even though he’s billed as the star, allows for his supporting cast to take the lead at times. Everyone here seems to have their moment, whether it’s young Chris (Charlie Gillespie) or Ronan’s broken brother, Gordie (Allan Hawco).
But, of course, the driving force of this type of film is its romance. Paired with the equally charming Stopps, Smith has found a solid dance partner as the connection between them is endearing. While the film doesn’t deviate far from the formula, their relationship builds a strong foundation for its intended audience. We feel their heartbreak and we want them to get back together.
And, for Ronan, that journey back to his old life is essential.
After all, ultimately, Soul’s Road is a story about a man on his proverbial road to redemption. After having abandoned his home town on the way to success, Ronan’s return ripples throughout the area. While his quest for fame and fortune is hard to judge on the surface, it did real damage in his hometown. To the people of the community, Ronan’s departure left a hole in their hearts that’s been filled with bitterness and anger. Broken hearts and broken relationships are what he returns to, forcing him to make amends.
What does that look like? For Ronan, it begins with remembering the value of being part of a group, rather than a solo star. As he pieces together a new band, so too does he start to remind himself (and others) how magical it can be when everyone creates (and succeeds) together.
But therein lies the ultimate tension of Soul’s Road. Here, life’s road can lead you away from home or lead you back towards it. Both seem like reasonable options, depending on the circumstances, but does one necessarily need to exist without the other?
In the end, Soul’s Road isn’t going to change the world. And neither is it trying to do so. Instead, it knows exactly who its audience is and what story it wants to tell. Led by its delightful soundtrack, the film is uplifting, inoffensive and affable. In short, it may be an easy Road, but it’s still a nice trip.
Soul’s Road is available in Canadian theatres on Friday, February 6th, 2026.
