Carol

Set against the backdrop of a frosty winter in 1950s New York, Carol is a poignant and nuanced exploration of love, identity, and the societal constraints that define a woman's place in that era. Based on Patricia Highsmith's semi-autobiographical novel, The Price of Salt, the film tells the story of Therese Belivet, a young and ambitious department-store clerk who finds herself at the center of a forbidden affair. As we are introduced to Therese, we see a bright-eyed and enthusiastic 19-year-old who spends her working hours behind the cosmetics counter of Gimbel's department store. With her keen eye for beauty and flair for style, Therese becomes an invaluable asset to the team, but her true passion lies in her aspirations to become a photographer. However, her working-class background and lack of connections in the industry make it a daunting task. At night, she escapes to the city's vibrant jazz scene, immersing herself in the artistic world that she hopes to one day call her own. It's during this tumultuous time in her life that Therese meets Carol Aird, a striking and enigmatic woman in her 40s, shopping at Gimbel's with her young daughter. There's something captivating about Carol that resonates with Therese, and their meeting sets off a chain of events that will alter the course of both their lives forever. Carol, a high-society wife, appears to embody the epitome of elegance and sophistication, but beneath her polished exterior lies a complex and multifaceted individual, desperate to break free from the stifling conventions of her life. Married to Harge, a charismatic but possessive man who controls every aspect of her life, Carol has been forced into a loveless marriage, suppressing her true desires and identity. As the days go by, Therese and Carol grow closer, their friendship blossoming into a romantic affair that transcends their social differences. The contrast between their two worlds becomes increasingly apparent, but their feelings for each other are undeniable. They start to steal moments together, walking hand-in-hand through Central Park, savoring the simple joys of life, and exploring the possibility of a future beyond the societal constraints that threaten to tear them apart. Their affair is a rebellious act of defiance against the norms that dictate a woman's place in society. In the 1950s, marriage and motherhood are seen as the ultimate goals for women, and those who choose otherwise are often ostracized. Yet, the love between Therese and Carol is real, and their longing for each other becomes the guiding force in their lives. However, the reality of their situation is far from rosy. Harge, Carol's husband, discovers their affair and demands that Carol choose between her marriage and her daughter. In the midst of this heart-wrenching dilemma, Carol is forced to confront the reality of her love, weighed down by the knowledge of the societal and familial repercussions that will follow if she pursues a life with Therese. The film's climax, where Carol makes a heart-breaking decision, is both painful and inevitable, a consequence of the era's rigid mores and the sacrifices she feels she must make. The aftermath leaves Therese shattered and broken-hearted, realizing that her chance at happiness has been torn away from her. Carol, released in 2015, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices women made during that era, often for the sake of family and societal expectations. Director Todd Haynes masterfully weaves a tale of first love, forbidden desire, and the unbreakable bond between two women who dare to defy the norms. The film has been widely praised for its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of female relationships, its stunning visuals, and the captivating performances of the lead actresses, Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.