As this picture opens, it is the final weeks of 1952, hence, this is quite literally a Christmas Carol. Awwww. Well, enough of that; let’s talk about repressed lesbianism. Titular refined housewife Carol Aird (Cate Blanchette) is looking to lose the “housewife” part – she and Harge are getting a divorce. Wait. Wait. Wait. Harge Aird?! Is this what people were named in the 1950s? Just sound effects from men moving heavy objects? “Harge Aird, meet my business parnter Urgh Puff, my college buddy Norg Bluh, and my brother-in-law <grunting noise> Ohgodmyback.”
Anyway, Carol is making the department store rounds and spots doll clerk Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara). The attraction is immediate and Carol strolls over for some small talk about gifts for her four-year-old. This being the 1950s, I kept a sharp eye out in this toy department for an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action-Two-Hundred-Shot-Range-Model Air Rifle, but found none. Rats. A train set is settled upon. Isn’t the train metaphor exclusive for heterosexual relationships? Carol tests the waters by leaving her gloves behind. Will Therese take the bait? Yes!
While Carol seems completely in control of her feelings at all times, it’s more difficult to understand what the younger woman is feeling here. Her beau, Jake Lacy (that’s “Peefarter” to you), is far more into their relationship. Therese doesn’t want him in the long run, we know that. But is she really a lesbian, or is this just something she gets talked into? Does she like Carol or Carol’s attention?
Carol is kind of a distant film; I feel like the players are on display for us to inspect and judge rather than partake. A slow-moving lesbian melodrama, Carol knows 
full well the subject matter isn’t for everybody and practically relishes the thought. With every shot, every establishing “we’re in the 1950s” prop, every cigarette, every contemplative expression of Cate Blanchette internally balancing goods and bads, Carol seems to be saying, “my, aren’t I an important film?” Why, yes you are, Carol, especially if Far from Heaven (also written and directed by Todd Haynes, go figure) and Brokeback Mountain had not each come out over a decade ago.
Speaking of Brokeback Mountain, Carol is similar in so many ways, I’m going to add the exact same thought I had for that film: if Carol had no homosexual angle, it wouldn’t have been brought to the screen. There just isn’t enough meat here, so-to-speak. Coming to grips with homosexually versus societal influence is always an important theme, but if it’s the only theme, I find that patronizing to homosexuals. Were Carol and Therese more than their simple attraction for one another? Yes, but at the end of the day, that’s all we cared about.
♪I’m dreaming of a butch Christmas
Perhaps it’s one I’ll never know
With chardonnay glisten and partners listen
Carefully for some innuendo
I’m dreaming of a butch Christmas
One that requires not a putsch
May your trysts be secret and such
And may all your Christmases be butch♫
Rated R, 118 Minutes
D: Todd Haynes
W: Phyllis Nagy
Genre: I’m an important film. See me.
Type of person most likely to enjoy this film: People who have been dying to see Cate Blanchette switch-hit
Type of person least likely to enjoy this film: Angry 1950s hubbies
♪ Parody inspired by “White Christmas”
