Step Back, Doors Closing

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1:38

Step Back, Doors Closing

Feb 2026

1h 38m

Romance

Comedy

Drama

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100%

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16 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

After a chance encounter on the DC metro, Ryan and Julisa spend the next twenty-four hours discussing their hopes, dreams, and fears. Slowly but surely, they reveal more and more about themselves, and fall in love.

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Jaylan Salah

Cinefied

Sep 14, 2026

In a world consumed by technology taking over romantic stories, Step Back, Doors Closing is throwing this all away, choosing to make its leads connect on a chance encounter.

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Alicia Gilstorf

Cool Girl Critiques

Aug 18, 2026

4/5

Perhaps what is most enduring about Ward’s Step Back, Doors Closing is how comfortable it is in its own skin.

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Alton Williams

Battle Royale With Cheese

Aug 16, 2026

tep Back, Doors Closing positions itself as a thoughtful, character‑driven indie likely to resonate with audiences who appreciate grounded storytelling and intimate performances.

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Lapacazo Magrira Sandoval

New York Amsterdam News

Jul 20, 2026

“Step Back, Doors Closing” succeeds through emotional honesty rather than grand gestures. It understands something simple but enduring: love, in any language, is as unpredictable as it is universal.

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Debopriyaa Dutta

High on Films

Feb 20, 2026

2.5/5

For all the sweetness and charm [the film] exudes, it isn’t interested in tackling real emotional depth beyond a few conversations that feel intriguing enough.

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Tim Brennan

About Boulder

Apr 21, 2025

If there’s one thing that Step Back, Doors Closing reminds us it’s the idea that our strongest connections can come out of nowhere. It’s a smart, sweet, perceptive indie film that deserves to be seen.

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Trish D

@pjustice Oct 18, 2026

This is a refreshing, real-world story that makes you feel an array of emotions. Love the scenery and emotional connection between the main characters.

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John D

@RT12267039 Oct 18, 2026

I really love Step Back, Doors Closing. It’s so good because of the natural chemistry between Carmen Berkeley and Reilly Walters the two main actors as they make every conversation feel real and effortless, like you’re watching two people actually fall for each other over 24 hours in D.C. The writing is warm and honest without trying too hard, the city feels alive as a backdrop, and the whole film just leaves you feeling hopeful about connection in a way most modern romances don’t. It’s one of those movies that sticks with you.

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Charles H

@RT58822096 Oct 18, 2026

I really enjoyed this film! It’s a boy-meets-girl feel-good love story set in Washington, DC. Julisa and Ryan’s accidental meeting in the DC metro turns into a weekend whirlwind tour of the nation’s capitol, during which they get to know each other, and explore one another’s hopes and dreams for the future. Highly recommend!

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Gina H

@RT92301366 Oct 11, 2026

this film stuck with me after the first watch. just two people walking around DC talking all day and I was hooked the whole time. their chemistry feels so real and DC has never looked prettier. the ending kinda wrecked me (in the best way).

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Lee R

@RT48489380 Oct 11, 2026

This was a really sweet an romantic movie. It was a chance to see something positive and meaningful. I enjoyed the characters and how spontaneity of the story itself. Good film!

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Steven F

@RT14310377 Oct 10, 2026

A really charming, patient movie about those once-in-a-lifetime romantic moments where you ask yourself "is this really happening?" The two leads have great chemistry, and it’s very fun to watch them grow closer against the backdrop of DC

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Carter Ward

Director

Carmen Berkeley

Julisa

Reilly Walters

Ryan

Michelle Macedo

Sierra

Ashley Romans

Kesang

Mershad Torabi

Mohammed

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Synopsis

After a chance encounter on the DC metro, Ryan and Julisa spend the next twenty-four hours discussing their hopes, dreams, and fears. Slowly but surely, they reveal more and more about themselves, and fall in love.

Director: Carter Ward
Producer: Jane Hollon, Kathryn Crabtree, Carter Ward
Screenwriter: Carter Ward
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Production Co: Arden Pictures
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 13, 2026, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 17, 2026
Runtime: 1h 38m
Sound Mix: Dolby

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