Step Back, Doors Closing
August 21st, 2026
MOVIE: STEP BACK, DOORS CLOSING
STARRING: CARMEN BERKELEY, REILLY WALTERS
DIRECTED BY: CARTER WARD
AMovieGuy.com’s RATING: 3 STARS (Out of 4)
RATED: PG-13
RUN TIME: 98 MINUTES
Writer/director Carter Ward’s directorial debut, Step Back, Doors Closing, is remarkably simple. The simplicity exists in the plot, the score, and the way the two lead characters carry more than enough charm without overshadowing the beautiful setting or sweet dialogue. I use the word “simple” not in a lesser or negative way, but to emphasize that what makes this such a good film is its simplicity. Step Back, Doors Closing is a darling romance about two older college kids who find each other by chance and make a connection worthy of a beautiful memory.
It starts with Julisa (Carmen Berkeley), a twenty-something woman on a flight from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C. Then we meet Ryan (Reilly Walters), who is headed back home to Washington, D.C., after spending time in New York. Julisa’s troubles begin when she drops her phone in the toilet. Ryan just so happens to see her on the train, notices her predicament, and helps by lending her his phone. From there, the meet-cute happens, and what begins as a funny conversation turns into more conversation, leading to a party with friends, a night out dancing, and even more conversation. It’s a beautiful connection in the nation’s capital.
For viewers, how one receives Step Back, Doors Closing will depend on their mood and how charming they find the two leads. I found Berkeley and Walters to be a consistent delight, especially the lead actress, who reminds me of actors such as Phoebe Cates or Jessica Henwick. She shares their girl-next-door charm and undeniable beauty. Walters, meanwhile, is similar to Lewis Pullman and benefits from his boyish charm. The leads do their part, but what makes the entire film work is Ward’s breezy dialogue. He doesn’t force the pair into conflict; instead, he allows them to have genuine conversations. The dialogue isn’t filled with deep discussions about literature or philosophy- although they do visit museums- but instead focuses on the choices they are making in their young lives: finding their passions, discussing what an ideal engagement looks like, and wondering what their futures will hold. It’s on the same level as Cooper Raiff or a young Joe Swanberg.
The film falters in how its simplicity drags the pace down. Ward chooses a minimal score, letting the setting around the two characters set the mood. Where the connection between these two goes is much more surprising than expected, but the film’s success truly depends on the mood of the viewer. A meet-cute romance like this has been done countless times before- possibly better- but if you want some charm, it’s certainly here.
What is ultimately commendable is that Step Back, Doors Closing is a light, darling film from a first-time director. The setting of Washington, D.C., is a perfect backdrop for the conversations, while the young promise of Ward and Berkeley keeps the energy high. A two-hander about two young lovers meeting by chance, going through highs and lows, bonding over shared interests, disagreeing on certain topics, and learning about each other is all you get in Step Back, Doors Closing. I think that’s simple, and simple is sweet.
3 STARS
STEP BACK, DOORS CLOSING PREMIERED AT DANCES WITH FILMS AND IS CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR DISTRIBUTION.
Written by: Leo Brady
