What Is Crossroads About?
The premise of Crossroads in 340 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sun‑drenched stretch of the American West, a devoted couple decides to become the architects of romance for the people they love. Their hope is simple: with a little encouragement and a dash of serendipity, everyone can find the connection they’ve been longing for. The film frames this goodwill‑driven mission against a backdrop of open highways, late‑night diners, and the restless hum of a convertible engine, setting a tone that blends hopeful optimism with the inevitable messiness of the human heart.
At the core of the story are three inseparable friends whose lives have drifted in different directions since high school. Lucy carries the weight of perfection, constantly measuring herself against an ideal she’s never quite reached. Kit exudes the confidence of a queen‑type figure, yet beneath the surface lies a yearning for something more authentic than the image she projects. Mimi, the outsider of the trio, grapples with feelings of exclusion and a fierce desire to prove herself. As the couple’s matchmaking plans take shape, each of these women finds herself drawn into a delicate dance of desire, doubt, and discovery. Along the way, a charismatic stranger named Ben appears, hinting at the unpredictable chemistry that can spark when strangers share a road.
The journey unfolds in a vintage yellow 1969 Buick Skylark convertible, a rolling symbol of both nostalgia and possibility. As the friends cruise through desert towns and coastal vistas, the landscape mirrors their internal voyages—vast, open, and ripe with chance encounters. The film’s mood is a warm, slightly bittersweet blend of humor and introspection, inviting viewers to feel the excitement of new horizons while recognizing the uncertainty that accompanies any quest for love.
Through its breezy road‑trip premise, the story explores how well‑meaning intentions can lead to surprising connections and how each character must confront the complexities of their own hearts. The tone remains affectionate and curiosity‑driven, promising a journey where self‑discovery and the tangled web of relationships intertwine, leaving the audience eager to see where the open road—and the couple’s matchmaking experiment—will ultimately lead.
What Happens in Crossroads?
The complete story of Crossroads, from the first scene to the last, in 307 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 1 cast member page.
Spoilers ahead
Three friends, Lucy, Kit, and Mimi, embark on a nostalgic journey after making a pact during their youth to open a buried box at midnight on the night of their high school graduation. As they transition into young adults, their lives take unexpected turns: one becomes the quintessential Little Miss Perfect, another takes on the role of an engaged prom queen, and the last is branded a pregnant outcast.
On graduation night, they finally reunite to open the box, bringing back memories and old dreams. Mimi raises the idea of heading to Los Angeles for an audition that could change their lives. Together, they decide to take a road trip, with Lucy intending to visit her mother (Kim Cattrall) in Arizona and Kit planning to meet her boyfriend Dylan in Los Angeles. They set off in a vintage yellow 1969 Buick Skylark convertible, accompanied by Ben, a guy who quickly becomes a point of concern after rumors suggest he might be dangerous.
Upon reaching Tucson, Lucy’s visit with her mother takes a painful turn when she learns her mother never wanted her, adding emotional complexity to her journey. The friends regroup and continue their trek to Los Angeles, but the trip is fraught with tension. Kit discovers a dark secret involving her boyfriend—he was responsible for the assault that left Mimi pregnant. A confrontation leads to turmoil, resulting in Mimi tragically losing the baby after a fall.
Amidst the chaos, Lucy and Ben develop a deep connection, leading her to defy her father’s expectations and stay in Los Angeles to seize the opportunity to audition. The experience transforms their friendship, forcing them to confront their past and each other, as they chase dreams and navigate the complexities of adulthood. Will they find the success they seek, or will the pressures of their tumultuous lives tear them apart?
Crossroads Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “The Pact” to “The Outcome”. 4 events name a place, across 2 locations.
- 1
The Pact
Lucy, Kit, and Mimi make a pact during their youth to open a buried box at midnight on their high school graduation night. This promise sets the stage for their emotional reunion and the journey that follows.
- 2
Graduation Night Reunion
On graduation night, the three friends finally come together to fulfill their pact. As they open the box, it brings back memories of their shared dreams and the paths their lives have taken.
When:Graduation Night
- 3
The Audition Idea
Mimi proposes the idea of traveling to Los Angeles for an audition that could significantly change their lives. This sparks excitement and hope among the friends as they consider pursuing their dreams together.
Where:Los Angeles
- 4
Setting Off on the Road Trip
The three friends embark on a road trip in a vintage yellow 1969 Buick Skylark convertible. The journey is filled with anticipation, but they also invite Ben, whose presence raises concerns about his character.
- 5
Visiting Lucy's Mother
Upon reaching Tucson, Lucy pays a visit to her mother. The reunion is painful as Lucy learns that her mother never wanted her, which adds emotional weight to her already turbulent life.
Where:Tucson
- 6
The Journey Continues
After their tumultuous reunion, the friends regroup and continue their journey to Los Angeles. Yet, the trip grows tense as they grapple with their personal issues and the shadows of their past.
- 7
The Dark Secret
Kit uncovers a shocking truth about her boyfriend Dylan, realizing he was involved in the assault that left Mimi pregnant. This revelation creates rifts between the friends, altering their dynamic.
- 8
The Confrontation
Tensions rise as a confrontation unfolds regarding the dark secret. The emotional turmoil culminates in a tragic turn of events that results in Mimi losing her baby after a fall.
- 9
Lucy and Ben's Connection
Amid the chaos, Lucy finds herself connecting deeply with Ben. This relationship encourages her to challenge her father's expectations and stay in Los Angeles instead of returning home.
Where:Los Angeles
- 10
The Audition Opportunity
Lucy seizes the chance to audition in Los Angeles, viewing it as a pivotal moment in her life. This decision transforms her friendships and prompts a reevaluation of their shared dreams.
Where:Los Angeles
Show the other 3 events of Crossroads Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Facing the Past
As they navigate their dreams and conflicts, the friends are forced to confront their past. The challenges they face threaten to tear them apart, testing the strength of their bonds.
- 12
The Search for Success
Each friend pursues her individual path towards success, grappling with the pressures of adulthood. Their journeys challenge them to reevaluate their priorities, friendships, and personal aspirations.
- 13
The Outcome
As the journey nears its end, the friends reflect on what they truly want out of life. The events unfold, leading them to question whether they can achieve the success they desire or if their tumultuous experiences will define their futures.
Who Are the Main Characters in Crossroads?
4 characters, among them Lucy (Kim Cattrall), Kit and Mimi: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- L(
Lucy (Kim Cattrall)
Lucy is a vital character who represents vulnerability and determination. As she navigates complex relationships and her past with her mother, she showcases resilience and a yearning for connection, ultimately choosing to follow her dreams despite familial expectations.
- 👩🎤 Artist
- 💔 Complex
- K
Kit
Kit embodies the picture-perfect expectations of youth, initially presented as the engaged prom queen. However, her journey reveals deeper layers, including the struggles of her relationship and the impact of secrets on her identity.
- 👑 Prom Queen
- 😟 Struggles
- M
Mimi
Mimi is the heart of the story whose traumatic experiences challenge the group's dynamics. Labelled as an outcast, her journey deals with themes of regret and redemption, highlighting her resilience in the face of adversity.
- 💔 Tragedy
- 🌟 Resilience
- B
Ben
Ben is a significant character who introduces tension and complexity to Lucy's journey. Initially perceived as a threat, his connection with Lucy evolves, leading her to confront her past and the expectations imposed by her family.
- 😔 Mystery
- 💞 Connection
Where and When Is Crossroads Set?
Crossroads is set in Arizona, Los Angeles and Tucson (Contemporary). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Contemporary
Set in a present-day context, the film explores the challenges faced by young adults post-high school graduation. This era showcases the transition from adolescence to adulthood, a time often filled with hope, ambition, and unforeseen difficulties.
Where
Arizona, Los Angeles, Tucson
The movie takes the audience through various locations, including the vibrant city of Los Angeles, known for its entertainment industry and cultural diversity, and Tucson, a place rich in history and natural beauty. Arizona serves as a backdrop for personal discovery and familial confrontation, where Lucy faces difficult truths about her past.
- 🏙️ City
- 🌵 Desert
What Are the Themes of Crossroads?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Loss and Ambition.
-
01
Friendship
The film deeply examines the bonds of friendship through the characters' journey as they confront personal struggles and support each other. Their strong ties are tested by external pressures and life-altering revelations, illustrating the complexity of growing up together.
-
02
Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, particularly through Mimi's tragic experience and Lucy's relationship with her mother. The characters must navigate emotional pain as they grapple with their past and the impact it has on their futures.
-
03
Ambition
Ambition drives the characters' adventures, particularly through their road trip to pursue dreams in Los Angeles. This theme reflects the aspirations of young adulthood, alongside the sacrifices and dilemmas that often accompany the quest for success.
What Kind of Film Is Crossroads?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A bittersweet and nostalgic road trip drama that follows three young women confronting painful truths and lost dreams, blending moments of female bonding and hope with the harsh realities of growing up.
- nostalgic
- emotional
- hopeful
- tense
- coming-of-age
- dramatic
- friendship
- road trip
- coming of age
- self-discovery
Content notes: sexual assault, pregnancy loss, emotional abandonment.
Quiz
How well do you remember Crossroads? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Crossroads
Stream it on Kanopy, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
Stream 1
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