The Ultimate Christmas Carol to Watch This Year
A captivating portrayal of the holiday spirit, Todd Haynes' 2015 masterpiece, Carol, redefines Christmas through its queer lens, offering a nuanced perspective that enchants and inspires
We understand your sentiments, and for many years, the classic choice for the holiday season has been The Muppets Christmas Carol. However, the timeless allure of Todd Haynes' 2015 film Carol offers a fresh perspective on the festive season, captivating us with a sense of hope.
The Christmas season is a time filled with endless movie options, keeping festive enthusiasts glued to their sofas from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day. In recent years, a new addition to the annual rotation has emerged in the form of Todd Haynes' 2015 film, Carol. Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, the film follows Therese Belivet, a department store worker in Manhattan who becomes captivated by the enchanting Carol.
Set during the Christmas season, Carol is a revelatory journey that women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and cinema enthusiasts have long anticipated. It is a captivating and intricately layered gift that beckons viewers to savor its many facets rather than rushing to unwrap it. A beautifully crafted and straightforward narrative, Carol embodies the essence of an exceptional Christmas movie.
While some may argue that Carol's classification as a holiday film is a bit of a stretch, much like Die Hard, the Christmas setting serves as a contextual backdrop rather than a driving force of the story. Nonetheless, Carol undeniably captures the spirit of the season, portraying enduring love, unity, and overcoming obstacles, all elements that encapsulate the timeless feeling of the holiday season—and reflect the romance between Therese and Carol.
Carol is queer Christmas done right
At first glance, there may not appear to be anything particularly noteworthy about Carol. Derived from Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt, it's simply the intersection of two individuals from different backgrounds - Therese, a shop worker with aspirations of becoming a photographer, and Carol, a housewife who keeps her personal life guarded. However, as the story of their relationship unfolds, its beauty is found in the strength and intensity that drives their connection.
Carol's pioneering exploration of queerness at Christmas adds to the film's significance. Before popular movies like Happiest Season and Single All the Way, there was a notable gap in LGBTQ+ representation on the screen. The portrayal of lesbian relationships had come a long way since the iconic couple in Bound. Carol offered a refreshing love story during the holiday season that steered clear of stereotypes while addressing common issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Both Carol and Therese are complex characters dealing with internal struggles. Each of them grapples with different challenges, from the search for purpose and meaning to breaking free from societal norms. Carol's fiery spirit complements Therese's introspective nature, ultimately leading to a transformative connection.
A simple premise defies simple perceptions
StudioCanal UK
Director Todd Haynes has created a Christmas masterpiece with Carol, seamlessly blending visuals, soundtrack, and performances to create a captivating near two-hour spectacle. The narrative of Carol and Therese’s desire unfolds effortlessly, drawing viewers in without needing to decipher complex nuances. Despite the simple premise, the film offers a rich perspective that is truly spellbinding.
While Christmas is not the central focus of Carol, it plays a significant role in the storyline. The holiday provides a backdrop for the pair to deepen their connection and find joy amidst societal pressures. As they navigate the festive season, Carol and Therese find solace in the timeless space between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in each other's world. Ultimately, it is Christmas itself that becomes the catalyst for the pair to find each other.
Carol offers something that many other sapphic films don't - a sense of hope. Its ambiguous yet uplifting ending finally portrays the idea that two women can live happily ever after, avoiding the typical tropes of death, circumstance, and male interference. The best gift a movie lover can give themselves this holiday season is the opportunity to let Carol and Therese handle the emotional weight, providing a heartfelt and meaningful resolution in return.
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Editor's P/S
As a passionate fan of the film Carol, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiments expressed in the article. Todd Haynes' masterpiece offers a refreshing and nuanced perspective on the holiday season, capturing the essence of Christmas through its queer lens. The film's portrayal of enduring love, unity, and overcoming obstacles resonates deeply with the timeless spirit of the festive season.
Carol's significance lies in its pioneering exploration of queerness at Christmas, filling a notable gap in LGBTQ+ representation on the screen. The love story between Carol and Therese is a refreshing departure from stereotypical portrayals, addressing common issues faced by LGBTQ+ individuals while steering clear of clichés. The film's simple yet rich narrative, coupled with its captivating visuals, soundtrack, and performances, creates a spellbinding experience that draws viewers in effortlessly.
