Review of Carol (2015) by Pember96 — 25 Nov 2015

Amazing film. Gorgeously shot, the acting is great and authentic (though not too high on Mara's performance, but she and Blanchett have great chemistry), the recreation of the real early '50s, the production design, the costumes, all exquisite. A compelling, inspired, and authentic depiction of Patricia Highsmith's book. I love that they balanced out the two main characters, as the book is told entirely from Therese's (Mara) POV and Carol is only (and narrowly) experienced through her prism. Here we fully experience both characters in their context, their experiences separately and together, and Carol remains the intriguing figure she is but we also get to understand better, her situation, her drive, vulnerability, the choice she has make - the person behind the image Therese is enamored with. I commend Nagy (screenwriter), Haynes, and Blanchett for what they accomplished in conveying the arch of this complex, enigmatic character.

The film puts you in a bit of a trance, and you sort of feel like you've been holding your breath until that wonderful ending. It's definitely one to be experienced by everyone, and especially on the big screen. It might be for me the best film really about romance and falling in love, ironically based in such a repressive era.