'"Carol'' (2015 film)- Review

Directed by: Todd Haynes 
Released: 2015
Country: United States, United Kingdom

Genre: Romantic drama

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Review

''Carol'' is a quietly beautiful film- simple, sublime yet breathtakingly beautiful. It is a film that left me speechless with its simplicity, emotional depth and poetic beauty. 

Set in the 1950s, the film stars Cate Blanchett as Carol Aird, a well-off woman who is about to be divorced. She has a little daughter. Rooney Mara, on the other hand, plays Therese, an aspiring photographer working in a department store. When Carol and Therese come across each other- it happens when Carol is looking for a Christmas present for her daughter in the department store Therese works in- they are instantly attracted to each other. As time passes they develop a romantic relationship in an era where homosexuality has little acceptance. However, there is Carol's husband, Herge, who will do whatever it takes to ensure the sole custody of their daughter, and he is ready to accuse Carol of ''immorality'', threatening to expose the fact that she has had homosexual relations.

Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara both deliver excellent performances, bringing into life both the characters. I particularly admired Rooney Mara's performance. She brought such an emotional depth into the character of Therese that I really loved the character. The chemistry between the two characters is beautiful and extremely touching. From the first moment they meet there is something about the chemistry between the two of them that overwhelmed me, kept me glued to the screen. I loved the way the two of them make each other feel so special. Kyle Chandler is present as Carol's husband Herge, a nasty character that I just loathed. You can never keep a child away from a mother and that is exactly what he tried doing. I really disliked Herge and can find no reason to sympathize with him. Sarah Paulson gives considerable support as Abby, with whom Carol had once had an affair, and although we do not see that much of her, I really appreciated her for the support she provides to both Carol and Therese.

With an excellent screenplay, amazing performances and a story that along its way steadily turns emotionally deep and moving- while retaining its quietness and simplicity all along- 'Carol'' is a film that really touched me with its emotional intensity and two richly developed protagonists.