A divorced doctor’s carefully constructed life in Cleveland is upended when his daughter’s debate aspirations and the unexpected return of a past love force him to confront his own choices and embrace a second chance.

Noah (Chris Pine) is firmly entrenched in his life, which might be a bit lonely but allows him to care for his anxious daughter and his family medical practice. One night, though, he learns his old high school girlfriend Rebecca (Jenny Slate) has returned to town. Now with different life experiences, but the same attraction and shared history of heartbreak, they wonder if love is worth the inevitable pain and complications. Writer-director Rachel Lambert returns with a story told in a pitch-perfect winsome tone, with a sharp eye that captures essential truths, like to love is to lose. Featuring wonderful performances from Pine, Slate, and others, Carousel is a film about lovers, family, getting older — but maybe not growing up — and how change is the only constant in life. — SS

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1).