By Kathia Woods | Special to The OBSERVER
Emmy Award winner Lynn Whitfield, Tony- and Grammy-winning actress Renée Elise Goldsberry, and rising star J. Alphonse Nicholson star in the upcoming independent film “Albany Road.”
The film recently won Best Feature Film at the 2024 Oak Park Black Film Festival.
Under the direction and writing of Emmy-nominated Christine Swanson, Albany Road presents a classic road movie experience with some added drama. Two strong-willed women harboring deep-seated animosity due to past events form the core of the film and find themselves thrust into a predicament.
Swanson, who has an impressive résumé, conceived the story based on the Black women in her life and some she has observed over the years. Collaborating once again with Goldsberry, whom she last worked with in “All About You,” the film is a microcosm of what occurs when frenemies must work together. What ensues is humor and a reckoning, which forces both women to review past choices.
Christine Swanson collaborated with her producer husband, Michael Swanson, through their production company, Faith Filmworks, to bring the film to fruition. Their unwavering passion for the film led them to make the bold decision to self-finance it. Shot in Champaign, Illinois, the film made its festival debut, winning Best Film at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.
The story unfolds amid a fierce snowstorm. Celeste (Goldsberry), a high-powered New York City executive, embarks on a critical journey to Washington, D.C., for a pivotal presentation that could define her career. Its success not only holds the key to her continued professional growth but also validates her personal sacrifices. Complicating matters is Paula (Whitfield), the overbearing mother of Celeste’s ex-fiancé, Kyle (Nicholson). Paula’s interference caused a rift between Celeste and Kyle, leaving Kyle both confused about the end of their relationship and guarded for future relationships. As Celeste navigates canceled flights and unforeseen obstacles during her journey, Paula, who is in town for an undisclosed “meeting,” yearns to return home to her family. Despite their mutual animosity, circumstances force Celeste and Paula to work together to reach Washington, forging an unlikely alliance between two very different women.
Under its road movie façade, “Albany Road” delves into profound issues, employing humor to articulate the underlying pain. Celeste and Paula, both over 40, represent contrasting life experiences. Celeste’s dedication to her career has come at the expense of personal fulfillment, while Paula’s unwavering efforts to shield her son from the world’s harshness have compromised their trust. Despite their apparent animosity, these women share more common ground than they are willing to acknowledge.
In a departure from her usual glamorous roles, Whitfield shines as the boisterous Paula, an everyday woman who employs abrasiveness as a shield. Showcasing her comedic talent, Whitfield effortlessly delivers inappropriate remarks to the refined and younger Celeste, highlighting her range as an actress.
Goldsberry and Celeste give equally outstanding performances. Whitfield’s dialogue is more colorful, but Goldsberry’s comedic prowess is in her skillful use of body language and facial expressions. These subtle gestures help her cope with the overwhelming stress of this arduous road trip, preventing her from succumbing to it.
Nicholson’s portrayal of Kyle also stands out. Known for his dynamic role as Lil’ Murda in the STARZ hit show “P-Valley,” Nicholson showcases his versatility. In Kyle, he delivers a controlled performance, internalizing his emotions to avoid succumbing to heartache.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its exploration of the multifaceted dynamics between mothers and sons, as well as delving into the complexities and intricacies of an older woman’s romantic involvement with a younger man.
At the core of the film, audiences are compelled to introspect and question how they might have acted based on fear rather than truth. This theme renders the film universally appealing to diverse audiences. Although Black creatives present the narrative, its themes transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with individuals from all walks.
“Albany Road” is being shown exclusively at AMC Theaters, where tickets can be purchased for its Friday, Nov. 15, release, with preview night being Friday, Nov. 14.
Learn more at albanyroadmovie.com.