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Step Back, Doors Closing

Play trailer 1:38 Poster for Step Back, Doors Closing Feb 2026 1h 38m Romance Comedy Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 16 Reviews Popcornmeter 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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Step Back, Doors Closing

Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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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. See more 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. See more 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! See more 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).​​​​​​ See more 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! See more 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 See more Read all reviews
Step Back, Doors Closing

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Step Back, Doors Closing

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Movie Info

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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