CAROL

Ardent movie-goers may have assumed Cate Blanchett had reached the height of her career with her Oscar-winning performance in Blue Jasmine, but here she exceeds in a role which most actresses could only dream about.

Blanchett plays the titular role of Carol, a glamorous and refined lady living in a loveless marriage who meets and falls in love with Therese (Rooney Mara), a much younger lady who is desperate to break away from her mundane life.

The priorities in these women’s lives slowly diminish, significance placed only on their undying love, defying social standards and being together, at whatever cost.

This unconventional love story set in the early 1950’s (when same gender relationships were considered immoral), builds slowly and audiences will savour each moment, as the beauty and intellect unfolds on screen.

Undeniably the best film of the year, this is pure cinematic indulgence, artistically flawless with electrifying performances from Blanchett and Mara who are supported by a high-calibre cast. Audiences will be allured by their magnetic attraction and the love affair, which escalates sensually and erotically. (MMo)

****1/2