Carousel (2026) – Review and Summary (Sundance)

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“Carousel” Film Details

• Director(s): Rachel Lambert
• Writer(s): Rachel Lambert
• Runtime: 1 Hour(s) and 43 Minutes
• Public Release Date (Film Festival – Sundance [More Coverage Of The 2026 Film Festival]: January 29, 2026
• Genre(s): Drama, Romance, Young Adult
• Content Rating: Not Rated
• Primary Language: English

Movie Summary

In Carousel, we follow two people trying to figure out what their next move is as life coerces them to no longer be on autopilot, but gives them the option to double down in their commitment. Will Rebecca stay in politics, despite the stress, occasional feeling of fulfillment, but often it consuming all of her time and attention? What about Noah? He has been a doctor in the same area for the same employer, a dear friend at this point, for decades. When his boss retires, will he close up shop and leave, take over the building, and what of his already strained relationship with his daughter, Maya?

These two, who dated when they were younger, are given the opportunity to course correct, but are they too comfortable missing out on what they really want due to the work required to change the course of their life?

Cast and Characters

Rebecca (Jenny Slate)

• Character Summary: Rebecca was a notable player in DC politics, from her speech writing to her notable network. However, with her parents needing to downsize, she finds herself questioning if she, too, should simplify her life.

Noah (Chris Pine)

• Character Summary: As a medical doctor for a small town, Noah finds a lot of fulfillment and stability at his job, which can feel absent in his personal life. He’s divorced, shares custody of his daughter, and while his daughter may talk and open up to him, there is a disconnect that is easy to see between them.

Maya (Abby Ryder Fortson)

• Character Summary: Approaching adulthood with a level of anxiety that is far from manageable, Maya needs reassurance. Just as the divorce did a number on her dad, it seemingly has done the same for her, but throwing herself into school seemingly doesn’t alleviate things for her as her dad throwing himself into work.

Review and Commentary

On The Fence

The Romance Which Could Hook You Is Easy To Jump Off Of [73/100]

Noah and Rebecca’s relationship initially felt like what could save this movie. Outside of their reconciliation, there is a lot of melodrama, which feels like the frame and foundation of the movie, but not what can hook you. Noah’s struggles with his daughter, trying to navigate how and if he should take over the practice, won’t sell you on the idea that this movie is worth seeing. The same goes for Rebecca dealing with potentially ending her political career and trying to get her parents to sell the family home.

All of that feels like it is made to establish them as individuals, but not be what gets you into the movie. The relationship between former flames, who, due to bad timing and miscommunication, or lack thereof, is supposed to be the selling point of Carousel. Which, for a short time, it is. The chemistry between Slate and Pine is there, so even with them speeding through wounds from their teen/early adult breakup, you are willing to let it go because you want to see what comes next for them.

But then, baking soda is thrown all over their chemical reaction. Yes, Noah’s issues stemming from his divorce and struggles with connecting with Maya allow him to be an individual, but they also create a character who shuts down often. Which is fine, but he doesn’t just shut down as a singular entity; he often shuts down the movie’s main selling point.

And mind you, Carousel may build up both Noah and Rebecca, but it doesn’t give either enough to survive and carry the weight of this movie on their own. Ultimately, leaving you with a movie that may leave you questioning whether it justified the price of admission.

Overall

Our Rating (73/100): Mixed (Divisive)

Carousel, on paper, seems like a sure bet. Jenny Slate, in a romance, never mind an indie movie, starts things off well. Chris Pine can bring a level of seriousness to balance out Slate’s awkward but funny energy, and making them high school sweethearts sets things up well. But, despite having what could have made for a cute movie, with both characters exploring not only their lives as individuals but seeing if maybe they were just too young before to work, we got what Carousel delivers. Something that, like the attraction it is named after, can be fun and cool at first, but then, as the ride goes on, you find it slightly dizzying, giving you a headache, and making you want off the ride sooner rather than later.

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