Carol 2015
Directed by
Todd Haynes
Made by
Weinstein Company, The
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Carol (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1952, we follow the story of Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a shop-girl with dreams of becoming a photographer. While working in Frankenberg’s department store in Manhattan during the bustling Christmas season, she spots a stunning woman named Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) eyeing a model train set. After Therese helps Carol pick a set to gift her daughter, their casual conversation leads to a connection that transcends mere chance. When Carol accidentally leaves behind her gloves, Therese decides to return them, sending them along with a sales slip bearing Carol’s name and address.
Meanwhile, Therese is caught in an ambivalent relationship with her boyfriend, Richard (Jake Lacy), who dreams of moving to France and marrying her. However, she feels a tug of uncertainty about their future. A common friend, Dannie (John Magaro), introduces Therese to the world of photography at The New York Times, but a kiss with him leaves her uneasy, prompting her to seek solace elsewhere.
On the other side of the story, Carol faces the turmoil of a difficult divorce from her dismissive husband, Harge (Kyle Chandler), who is intent on gaining custody of their daughter, Rindy. Carol reconnects with Therese, inviting her to lunch as a thank you for the returned gloves. Their lunches turn into secret meetings, culminating in a Christmas invitation to Carol’s home in New Jersey, where Therese captures candid moments of Carol including one as she selects a Christmas tree.
However, their blossoming relationship faces challenges, notably when Harge shows up unexpectedly. Tensions rise, and after arguments blow up, Carol drives Therese to the train station, only adding to the turmoil. Later, reaching out to apologize, Carol brings Therese a gift — a Canon camera — which symbolizes newfound hope.
As Carol contemplates escaping the looming threat of a custody battle, their bond deepens, leading the pair to embark on a road trip. With Richard sensing the emotional shift in Therese, their relationship crumbles, but Therese finally indulges in her feelings for Carol during an intimate moment in a motel on New Year’s Eve. Tragically, the situation turns when they discover that a traveling salesman, Tommy Tucker (Cory Michael Smith), is a private investigator working for Harge.
When Carol realizes that Harge has been gathering evidence against her, she confronts Tucker with a gun, but the damage is already done. As Carol fights for custody, she leaves Therese heartbroken after a silent phone call—both women understanding the gravity of their situation.
Despite the struggles, Therese channels her pain into her photography, eventually landing a job at The New York Times. As Carol confronts her legal battle, she bravely accepts the consequences of her truth, willing to sacrifice for her daughter’s well-being, even granting Harge custody.
Eventually, seeking to reconnect, Carol invites Therese out at the Ritz Tower Hotel, unveiling plans for a new chapter in her life. With dreams of sharing an apartment, Carol expresses her love but is met with silence as Therese grapples with her decision. The emotional tension intensifies during a fleeting encounter where their eyes meet, culminating in a moment where time seems to stand still, as they both contemplate their paths that may once again intertwine.
Timeline
Track the key events of Carol (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Therese Meets Carol
In 1952, while working in Frankenberg's department store during the Christmas season, Therese Belivet spots a stunning woman named Carol Aird. Their casual conversation about a model train set ignites an unexpected connection, setting the stage for their relationship.
The Gift of Gloves
After their initial meeting, Carol accidentally leaves her gloves behind. Therese decides to return them, sending along a sales slip with Carol's name and address, which reveals her desire to pursue a deeper connection.
Therese's Relationship Dilemma
Therese struggles with her relationship with her boyfriend Richard, who dreams of marrying her and moving to France. However, she feels ambivalence about their future together, unsure of what she truly wants.
Lunch Invitation
Carol, grateful for the returned gloves, invites Therese to lunch. This meeting marks the beginning of their secret rendezvous, allowing their relationship to develop outside of societal pressures.
Christmas in New Jersey
Therese receives an invitation to spend Christmas with Carol in New Jersey. While there, she captures candid moments of Carol, including a touching moment as Carol selects a Christmas tree, deepening their emotional bond.
Unexpected Tensions
The happiness of their Christmas together is shattered when Carol's estranged husband, Harge, unexpectedly shows up. After tense arguments, Carol drives Therese to the train station, exposing the precariousness of their relationship.
Gift of the Camera
In an effort to apologize for the turmoil, Carol gifts Therese a Canon camera, a symbol of hope and creativity. This gesture strengthens their bond amidst the chaos surrounding them.
Road Trip
As they begin to consider a future together, Carol and Therese embark on a road trip to escape the confines of their current lives. This journey solidifies their feelings for one another as they explore their connection.
New Year's Eve Intimacy
On New Year’s Eve, Therese indulges in her feelings for Carol during an intimate moment in a motel. Their relationship reaches a new level of emotional intensity as they embrace their connection.
Discovery of Betrayal
Their happiness is threatened when they discover that Tommy Tucker, a traveling salesman, is actually a private investigator working for Harge. This revelation about Harge's tactics weighs heavily on both women as they realize the risks involved.
Confrontation with Tucker
Faced with the realization of Harge's surveillance, Carol confronts Tommy Tucker with a gun, showcasing her desperation to protect her relationship and family. However, she understands that the damage may be irreparable.
Heartbreak and Hope
Following a silent phone call where they both understand the weight of their situation, Carol leaves Therese heartbroken. This moment encapsulates the pain of their separation and the sacrifices they face.
Therese's Career Growth
In the aftermath of their separation, Therese channels her heartbreak into her passion for photography, eventually landing a job at The New York Times. This opportunity symbolizes her growth and resilience as she navigates her identity.
Carol's Sacrifice
As Carol faces her custody battle for Rindy, she makes the heartbreaking decision to grant Harge custody. This act of love and sacrifice highlights her struggle between her desires and her responsibilities as a mother.
A tentative Reunion
Seeking to reconnect, Carol invites Therese to the Ritz Tower Hotel to express her feelings and discuss a potential future together. However, the emotional tension during their meeting leaves Therese grappling with her decision.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Carol (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara)
Therese is a young, aspiring photographer caught between societal expectations and her emerging feelings for Carol. Her journey reflects a deep yearning for authenticity as she grapples with her ambivalent relationship with Richard and her profound connection with Carol. Throughout the film, she evolves from uncertainty to a bold embrace of her desires.
Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett)
Carol is a sophisticated and emotionally complex woman navigating a difficult divorce while discovering a profound connection with Therese. Her character embodies the struggle for love and the societal constraints of the 1950s, showcasing her resilience as she faces custody battles while pursuing her truth. She is both a nurturing figure and a symbol of defiance against societal norms.
Richard (Jake Lacy)
Richard is Therese's boyfriend, representing the conventional path many women of the time were expected to follow. His desire to marry and move to France symbolizes societal expectations, yet his relationship with Therese is marred by her growing indecisiveness and the emotional distance created by her feelings for Carol. His character highlights the tension between societal devotion and personal authenticity.
Harge (Kyle Chandler)
Harge is Carol's estranged husband, embodying the oppressive forces of traditional family structures. His determination to gain custody of Rindy adds significant conflict to the narrative, showcasing a man's societal power over a woman. Harge's character illustrates the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain control, ultimately highlighting the theme of sacrifice in Carol's fight for love.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Carol (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1952
The movie is set in the early 1950s, a time marked by post-war conservatism and societal expectations. This period struggles with rigid gender roles and the complexities of sexuality, leading to challenges for individuals like Carol and Therese, who seek to define their identities outside of societal norms. The backdrop of changing attitudes towards love and relationships adds depth to their journey.
Location
Manhattan, New Jersey
The film takes place in Manhattan, a bustling city known for its vibrant culture and iconic skyline. During the Christmas season, the city's festive atmosphere is palpable, providing a backdrop for the blossoming relationship between Therese and Carol. New Jersey, where Carol invites Therese, symbolizes a more personal, intimate space, away from the public eye, serving as a refuge for their love during tumultuous times.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Carol (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Love
At its core, 'Carol' is a poignant exploration of love amidst societal constraints. The relationship between Therese and Carol challenges the norms of the 1950s, depicting their journey through the complexities of emerging feelings and the risks involved. Their love story is marked by both joy and heartache, emphasizing the courage it takes to embrace one's true desires.
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Self-Discovery
The theme of self-discovery is prominent, particularly through Therese's character. As she navigates her feelings for Carol and her ambivalence towards her current life, she channels her emotions into photography. The act of capturing moments not only reflects her artistic aspirations but also symbolizes her search for identity and belonging in a world that often suppresses such desires.
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Conflict
Conflict arises not only from external sources, such as the custody battle and Harge’s manipulations but also from internal struggles within Therese and Carol. Their relationship faces scrutiny and challenges from societal norms, personal insecurities, and the impending realities of their situations. The tension underscores the sacrifices they must confront in their pursuit of happiness.
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