Carol is a critically acclaimed drama film directed by Todd Haynes that released in 2015. Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in lead roles, the movie tells the story of two women in love and the obstacles they must face. Set against the backdrop of the 1950s, Carol takes us on a journey of love, self-discovery, and heartbreak. In this article, we provide a complete synopsis and review of Carol.
Synopsis
Therese Belivet is a woman who dreams of becoming a successful photographer. One day, while working at a supermarket in Manhattan, she meets Carol Aird, a woman who is looking to buy a doll for her daughter, Rindy. Carol leaves her gloves at the counter and Therese sends them to her along with the doll she bought. Later, Carol invites Therese to lunch, and the two women begin to bond. However, their budding romance is complicated by the fact that Carol is in the process of divorcing her husband, Harge.
Therese’s boyfriend, Richard, is jealous of her relationship with Carol and tries to sabotage it. Meanwhile, Carol tries to maintain a balance between her love for Therese and her fight for custody of Rindy. When Harge hires a detective to gather evidence against Carol, she and Therese decide to go on a road trip to escape from their problems. However, their journey is cut short when the detective catches up with them, and Carol is forced to make a tough decision.
Review
Carol is a movie that takes a familiar story – two people in love facing obstacles – and tells it in a refreshing and compelling way. The movie’s strength lies in its ability to create an atmosphere of tension and longing that keeps the audience engaged throughout. The chemistry between Blanchett and Mara is palpable, and their performances are nuanced and heartfelt. The supporting cast, including Kyle Chandler as Harge and Sarah Paulson as Abby, also delivers strong performances.
One of the movie’s standout features is its attention to detail. From the production design to the costumes, everything in Carol is meticulously crafted to transport the audience to the 1950s. The movie also does an excellent job of exploring the societal norms and prejudices of the time. The characters’ struggles feel real and relatable, making Carol a poignant and thought-provoking movie.
Another aspect of the movie that deserves praise is its minimalist approach to intimacy. Unlike many other romance movies, Carol does not rely on physical gestures to convey the characters’ emotions. Instead, the movie uses subtle cues such as eye contact and lingering gazes to create a sense of intimacy. This makes the few physical interactions between the characters all the more impactful.
Overall, Carol is a beautifully made movie that highlights the complexities of love and the obstacles that come with it. The movie’s powerful performances, attention to detail, and minimalist approach to intimacy make it a must-watch for fans of the romance genre.
Conclusion
Carol is a movie that captures the joy and the pain of falling in love. It tells a story that is both timeless and timely, exploring themes of identity, prejudice, and self-discovery. The movie’s strong performances, attention to detail, and minimalist approach to intimacy make it a standout in the romance genre. For anyone who appreciates a good love story, Carol is a movie that cannot be missed.
