Director Ebs Burnough's insightful documentary examines how Jack Kerouac's iconic novel “On the Road” continues to resonate in contemporary America, interweaving stories of modern-day travelers with insights from those influenced by or connected to the legendary author. The film retraces Kerouac's restless journey across America while exploring how his emphasis on experience over material success, as well as authentic connection over digital convenience, speaks powerfully to our screen-saturated era. Featuring appearances by Josh Brolin, W. Kamau Bell, Michael Imperioli and Natalie Merchant, the documentary reframes Kerouac's work for a generation seeking meaning beyond conventional success.

Through lyrical cinematography and a soundtrack that captures the rhythmic pulse of Kerouac's prose, the film serves as a meditation on what it means to truly experience the journey rather than simply reaching the destination. Burnough avoids idealization by including critical perspectives that reveal Kerouac's complexities and contradictions, creating a nuanced portrait of the man and his enduring cultural impact. The documentary's most compelling moments arise from contemporary travelers whose lives embody the spirit of Kerouac's work — individuals who have rejected digital dependency to embrace the visceral experience of the American road. For audiences seeking inspiration to break free from routine and reconnect with the physical world, Kerouac’s Road serves as a timely reminder that sometimes the most profound discoveries occur when we step away from screens and immerse ourselves in the messy, beautiful reality around us.—Jarod Neece

Ebs Burnough