★★★
Having already generated a lot of anticipation and awards buzz, Todd Haynes’ latest film Carol is at last on Australian screens.
Starring Aussie film and theatre darling (and the latest recipient of the Longford Lyell AACTA Award) Cate Blanchett, the cast list guarantees stellar acting, particularly as Blanchett is partnered with Rooney Mara, who has become a force to be reckoned with in the last few years.
Haynes’ film is set in the 1950s and tells the story of Carol (Blanchett), who falls in love with a young shopgirl by the name of Therese (Mara). Carol’s life is complicated and confused as she balances life with a young child, and negotiates her relationship with her ex-husband Harge, played by Kyle Chandler. The addition of her infatuation with the young Therese upsets the delicate balance and sends Carol’s life into a tailspin.
The level of performance in Carol is its real triumph. Blanchett shines, as per usual, as does Mara, and the supporting appearances by Chandler and Sarah Paulson are equally strong. However, the storyline drifts and loses its momentum about halfway through. As Carol’s relationship with Therese blooms and becomes more intense, the depth of the characters and of their intersecting lives doesn’t seem to be able to keep pace.
The romance and the lengths that Carol and Therese go to for each other doesn’t quite ring true towards the end of the film, making its conclusion somewhat unsatisfying. Perhaps a missed opportunity for something that could have been great.
Carolopens in cinemas Thursday January 14.
