Carousel — Sundance Review
Source: Sundance
Rachel Lambert’s Carousel is the kind of gentle, slice-of-life independent film that feels right at home at the Sundance Film Festival. It showcases several strong, understated performances that feel authentic and lived-in, even as the story traces familiar narrative ground. In fact, Carousel almost feels too lived-in to the extent that the characters’ lives lack urgency, and the story unfolds at an almost glacial pace.
Noah (Chris Pine) is a divorced doctor living in Cleveland, raising his anxious teenage daughter Maya (Abby Ryder Fortson, the breakout star of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret). When his former high school girlfriend Rebecca (Jenny Slate) returns to town, the two quickly realize that their old spark hasn’t quite faded. Carousel is a patient meditation on heartbreak, second chances, love, loss, and growing up. Beneath its tangle of messy relationships lies a familiar but resonant reminder: the only constant in life is change.
Shot on 35mm, the film benefits greatly from Dustin Lane’s cinematography, which is drenched in warm, earthy tones. The golden hues evoke candlelight or the glow of a fireplace, reinforcing the film’s cozy, intimate atmosphere. Dabney Morris’ score is perhaps Carousel’s strongest asset. Blending original compositions with classic jazz pieces, the music lends the film a wistful charm.
The performances are excellent across the board. Each character feels like a fully realized, multifaceted person, never reduced to a caricature or cliché. They’re all so messy and flawed, and the actors bring those quirks to life with startling authenticity. Unfortunately, the screenplay and editing undermine their efforts, making the narrative feel disjointed, as though something is missing, and the story wanders in too many directions. Though billed as a romantic comedy, the film is rarely romantic and seldom funny. It touches on themes of growth, second chances, grief, and mental health, but ultimately attempts to juggle too much, leaving each idea underexplored.
Ultimately, Carousel is a simple slice-of-life film elevated by a lovely score from Dabney Morris and great performances from Chris Pine, Jenny Slate, Abby Ryder Fortson, and Sam Waterston. Yet, there isn’t enough to latch onto to make for a compelling viewing experience. The screenplay feels too flimsy, its exploration of themes doesn't delve deep enough, and the pacing is too leisurely. The result is a film that, despite its warmth and craft, feels oddly distant and dull.
Carousel premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2026.
