The movie follows the intertwined love stories of two couples separated by decades. The first story centers around the young and aspiring art major Sophia Danko (played by Britt Robertson) and the professional bull rider Luke Collins (played by Scott Eastwood). The second story involves the older Ira Levinson (played by Alan Alda) and his late wife Ruth (played by Oona Chaplin).
Sophia and Luke’s relationship faces challenges due to Luke’s dangerous career and Sophia’s academic pursuits. Meanwhile, Ira and Ruth, who were deeply in love, share their story through a series of letters found by Sophia. The letters detail their enduring love and the struggles they faced during their long marriage.
In the resolution, Luke suffers a serious injury during a bull-riding event, which puts a strain on his relationship with Sophia. However, they eventually reconcile, realizing the depth of their love for each other. The older couple’s story also reaches a poignant conclusion with a flashback to the sacrifices Ira made for the woman he loved.
The film ends with Sophia discovering that Ira had left her and Luke a valuable piece of art as a symbol of enduring love. The two couples’ stories are beautifully connected, emphasizing the timeless nature of true love.
In summary, “The Longest Ride” explores themes of love, sacrifice, and connection across different generations, offering a heartfelt portrayal of romance and the enduring power of love.