‘Sacramento’ (2025) Movie Review - A Road Trip of Friendship, Growth, and Rediscovery

Michael Angarano’s Sacramento is a tender yet humorous exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the unpredictability of life. A buddy comedy with a heartfelt core, the film takes audiences on a road trip that is as much about physical distance as it is about emotional growth. With compelling performances from Michael Cera, Kristen Stewart, and Angarano himself, Sacramento delivers a quirky yet relatable narrative that resonates deeply.

At its center are Ricky (Michael Angarano) and Glenn (Michael Cera), two childhood friends who have drifted apart over the years. Ricky, a free-spirited wanderer with a deep love for nature, sees himself as a counselor-in-the-making, though his life is largely defined by a lack of direction. Glenn, on the other hand, is a buttoned-up corporate worker who has built a structured life with his wife, Rosie (played with sharp wit and emotional depth by Kristen Stewart). While Ricky embarks on impromptu backpacking adventures, forging fleeting connections with strangers, Glenn is anxiously preparing for the birth of his first child, his concerns manifesting in meticulous plans, such as his commitment to assembling a $400 crib.

Their friendship, which began in childhood after a near-drowning incident during a swim class, has strained over time. Glenn, overwhelmed by the responsibilities of adulthood, has consciously distanced himself from Ricky, failing even to inform him about the impending arrival of his baby. Ricky, oblivious to the growing rift, reaches out and convinces Glenn to take a spontaneous road trip to Sacramento. What follows is a chaotic, heartfelt, and often comedic journey where the two men are forced to confront their differences, past grievances, and fears about the future.

The road trip serves as the perfect metaphor for their relationship, filled with unexpected detours, awkward silences, and moments of profound honesty. Along the way, they encounter an array of eccentric characters who unwittingly help them untangle the emotional knots they have tied themselves into. These interactions—sometimes absurd, sometimes deeply moving—push Ricky and Glenn to reassess their values, their friendship, and their individual life choices.

Angarano’s direction balances comedy with introspection, ensuring that the humor never undercuts the film’s emotional weight. The screenplay is peppered with witty banter, yet it also allows space for quiet moments of reflection. The chemistry between Angarano and Cera feels authentic, capturing the unique dynamic of childhood friends who, despite their differences, share an unspoken bond. Stewart’s portrayal of Rosie adds another layer to the narrative, offering an outside perspective on Glenn’s reluctance to embrace change.

Visually, Sacramento embraces the landscapes of California, using the scenic contrast between the wilderness Ricky loves and the urban spaces Glenn inhabits to highlight their opposing worldviews. The cinematography subtly reinforces the film’s themes—wide shots of open roads evoke a sense of possibility, while confined car interiors create tension and intimacy.

At its core, Sacramento is about navigating the messy, unpredictable nature of adulthood. It’s a film that understands that friendships, like life itself, evolve in unexpected ways. With its blend of humor, heart, and poignant observations on personal growth, it stands out as a charming and deeply human road-trip comedy that lingers long after the credits roll.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times