Albany Road (2024): Review and Summary
A cast of familiar faces, ranging from Lynn Whitfield to J. Alphonse Nicholson, delivers a holiday movie that is dramatic but a bit more serious than your usual fare.
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Film Length | 2 Hour 15 Minutes |
Release Date | November 15, 2024 |
Advisory Rating | Rated PG-13 |
Initially Available On/Via | Theatrical |
Genre(s) | Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance |
Distributor | Faith Filmworks |
Director | Christine Swanson |
Writer | Christine Swanson |
Character Name | Actor |
Celeste | Renée Elise Goldsberry |
Kyle | J. Alphonse Nicholson |
Paula | Lynn Whitfield |
Carol | Lisa Arrindell |
Phil | Gary Dourdan |
Andrea | Lily Cowles |
Plot Summary
For almost a year now, Celeste has been in New York, working to become a partner at an advertising agency. She has done major promotions, like with Lexus, and if she can help the agency keep a major account, she’ll be made an equity partner. The only problem is that she has to get to Washington, D.C., for her meeting, and her meeting happens to be on the day of a snowstorm.
Because of that, no trains, buses, or planes are leaving New York, but there are rental cars, and damn if the last one she isn’t forced to share with her ex-fiance’s mother, Paula. Now, the awkwardness isn’t just because this is Kyle’s mother but also because Paula is a piece of work. But, with no other choice, the two end up on a road trip together, which has twists and turns, and it ultimately forces them to deal with their shared pasts as everyone is working on what’s next in their future.
Character Descriptions
Celeste

Celeste is a woman of a certain age who was engaged a year ago. Unfortunately, her love life and career didn’t coincide with the direction she was going, and she had no choice but to put her career first. While she isn’t longing for company, there is a need to question whether she is happy being married to her work now, with a mistress being whatever man she is dating.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Anything’s Possible.”
Paula

Paula is a widow and a very strong-willed and opinionated woman. However, since her last conversation with Celeste almost a year ago, she has changed. It isn’t 100% clear if she has changed from the surface to the core, but life has made her think and act differently, and it seems she no longer acts solely to her benefit.
- The actor is also known for their role in “The Chi: Season 6.”
Kyle

Kyle is Paula’s son, Celeste’s ex-fiance, a professor at Georgetown on a tenure track, who found himself torn between his talents, his mom’s wishes, and a woman he loved but was leaving to progress in her career.
- The actor is also known for their role in “P-Valley: Season 2.”
Carol

Carol is Paula’s cousin who lives in a rural part of Pennsylvania with her husband where she runs a bed and breakfast.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Our Kind Of People.”
Andrea

Andrea is Celeste’s second on a major project.
Phil

Phil is an attorney and Celeste’s current boyfriend.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Rolling Into Christmas.”