Jackie & Ryan (2014)
A tender drama about a wandering musician and a single mother whose unexpected connection reshapes both their lives.
Jackie & Ryan - Movie Information
- Original Title: Jackie & Ryan
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Ami Canaan Mann
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 1, 2014 (Italy), July 3, 2015 (United States - PG-13), November 19, 2015 (South Korea)
- Alternative Titles: Jackie & Ryan (PT), Jackie and Ryan (US), Love Me Like You Do (UK)
- Production Companies: Highland Film Group, 120dB Films, Main Street Films/982 Media, Electric Shadow Company, Xantara Film Capital, Hassell Free Productions, Crema Family Office
- Production Countries: United States of America
Jackie & Ryan - Plot
A modern day train hopper fighting to be a successful musician and a single mom battling to maintain custody of her daughter defy their circumstances by coming together in a relationship that may change each other's lives forever.
Jackie & Ryan - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the film's heartfelt Americana spirit:
Sometimes they stay. Sometimes they go.
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Jackie & Ryan - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ami Canaan Mann
Main Cast
- Katherine Heigl
- Ben Barnes
- Clea DuVall
- Sheryl Lee
- Emily Alyn Lind
- Nathan Stevens
- Allan Groves
- Ryan Bingham
- Jeffrey Hanson
- Terence Goodman
Writers
- Ami Canaan Mann
Producers
- Ami Canaan Mann
- Molly Hassell
- John Jencks
- Jon Avnet
Jackie & Ryan - FAQs
What is Jackie & Ryan about?
Jackie & Ryan follows a free-spirited train-hopping musician and a single mother fighting to keep custody of her daughter. When their paths cross, they form an unlikely bond that challenges both of them to reimagine their futures. It's a quiet, character-driven drama rooted in folk music and emotional resilience.
Does Jackie & Ryan have a happy ending?
The film leans toward hopeful rather than conventionally happy. Both Jackie and Ryan grow through their relationship, and the ending reflects the film's honest, bittersweet tone — suggesting possibility without tying everything up neatly. It's the kind of ending that stays with you.
Where can you stream Jackie & Ryan?
You can stream Jackie & Ryan on Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Free ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel, Fandango at Home Free, YouTube Free, and Hoopla.
What role does music play in the film?
Music is central to Jackie & Ryan — Ryan is a struggling folk and blues busker who hops freight trains while chasing his dream. The film's soundtrack and live performances give it an authentic Americana feel, and the music becomes a bridge between the two lead characters as their relationship develops.
Who are the main actors in Jackie & Ryan?
Katherine Heigl and Ben Barnes lead the cast as Jackie and Ryan. They're joined by Clea DuVall, Sheryl Lee, and Emily Alyn Lind, who plays Jackie's young daughter Lia. Real-life musician Ryan Bingham also appears, lending additional authenticity to the film's folk music world.
Is Jackie & Ryan based on a true story?
Jackie & Ryan is not based on a specific true story. It's an original drama written and directed by Ami Canaan Mann. However, the film draws on very real social themes — train-hopping subcultures, the struggles of independent musicians, and the emotional weight of custody battles — giving it a grounded, lived-in feel.
Who directed Jackie & Ryan?
Ami Canaan Mann directed and wrote Jackie & Ryan. She's known for her work on the crime drama Texas Killing Fields (2011). Mann also served as a producer on this film, making it a deeply personal project that reflects her interest in character-driven, emotionally nuanced storytelling.
Where was Jackie & Ryan filmed?
Jackie & Ryan was filmed primarily in Utah, which provides the film's striking wide-open landscapes and rural Americana backdrop. The Utah setting reinforces the story's themes of freedom, rootlessness, and the search for belonging — perfectly complementing Ryan's train-hopping lifestyle and Jackie's small-town circumstances.
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