Cast of “Carol”

Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet

Cate Blanchett as Carol Aird

Sarah Paulson as Abby Gerhard

Kyle Chandler as Harge Aird

Jake Lacy as Richard

Carrie Brownstein as Genevieve Cantrell

Cory Michael Smith as Tommy

John Magaro as Dannie

Kevin Crowley as Fred Haymes

Director: Todd Haynes

Grade: A

With exquisite acting, historic and stunning cinematography, and expert direction from director Todd Haynes, Carol is sure to be listed as one of the year’s best movies.

The film is based on the “The Price of Salt,” a novel by Patricia Highsmith. Highsmith didn’t admit she’d authored the book until the early 90s, some 40 years after it was published, choosing at the time to write under a pseudonym.  The book, a story about the love affair between a wealthy socialite and a naive young department store clerk, was beyond taboo in 1952 when it was published.

Carol is much more than a movie about a forbidden love affair, though. It is about discovery, sacrifice, decisions, truth and evolving. As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the lives of both women, often seen gazing from a distance or through misty,rain streaked windows; outsiders, set apart.

Blanchett brings heartbreaking and tortured beauty to the character of Carol, a sophisticate going through a divorce. Blanchett portrays the controlled, repressed 1950s housewife with flawless elegance in every scene, from the lighting of her cigarette down to the way she sits and tosses her hair back. At the same time, we are haunted by her soul-stirring turmoil as she struggles to choose between continuing life as she knows it or being true to herself.

Mara, as the waif-like “Hepburn Esque” Therese, portrays a young woman unsure of herself in many ways, unable to even put a name to what she is feeling when she meets the glamorous Carol. Both lead actresses do a great deal of acting without words, and Mara is especially mesmerizing with her gaze, a gaze often more powerful than any dialogue.

The supporting cast is outstanding, most notably Kyle Chandler, portraying Carol’s estranged husband. Chandler is amazing in the role, causing us to be sympathetic and angry at his character, often simultaneously.

Carol is a well-told story; brilliantly acted and beautifully filmed. Both actresses are sure to be caught up in Oscar buzz — especially Blanchett, who may pick up her third trophy this year.

Carol is rated R for brief language and a scene of sexuality/nudity. The movie runs one hour and 58 minutes and opens in theaters on Christmas Day.