Carol

Year: 2015

Runtime: 118 min

Language: English

Director: Todd Haynes

DramaRomance

In 1950s New York, Therese, a young department store clerk, finds herself drawn to the alluring Carol, a glamorous and sophisticated woman seeking a divorce. Their initial connection blossoms into a passionate and forbidden love affair, challenging the restrictive social conventions of the time. As their relationship deepens, Carol faces considerable pressure and legal battles related to the custody of her daughter, forcing her to confront the consequences of pursuing her true desires and fighting for her independence.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Carol (2015)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Carol (2015). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Main Characters – Carol (2015)

Meet the key characters of Carol (2015), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Major Themes – Carol (2015)

Explore the central themes of Carol (2015), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

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Melancholic Romance Movies like Carol

Stories where quiet, forbidden love unfolds under societal pressure.Find movies like Carol that explore quiet, intense romances set against restrictive social backdrops. These films share a melancholic tone and focus on the emotional weight of forbidden love, personal liberation, and bittersweet resolutions.

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Narrative Summary

Narratives typically follow a slow-burn development of a forbidden or complicated relationship, where external societal pressures or personal circumstances create significant obstacles. The climax often involves a difficult choice between personal desire and conformity, leading to a bittersweet but emotionally truthful conclusion.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on restrained, emotionally charged romances, a melancholic and atmospheric tone, and the central theme of love challenged by external forces. The pacing is often deliberate, allowing the emotional depth and character yearning to build gradually.

Period Dramas about Personal Liberation like Carol

Character-driven stories of individuals defying strict social norms in a historical setting.Discover movies similar to Carol that are set in the past and focus on characters breaking free from societal expectations. These stories explore themes of self-discovery, independence, and the high cost of personal freedom in a repressive time.

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Narrative Summary

The plot follows a protagonist, often a woman, as they awaken to the restrictive nature of their society and embark on a journey toward self-determination. This journey is fraught with conflict, sometimes legal or familial, and culminates in a hard-won victory for personal autonomy, though often at a significant personal cost.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their use of a historical period to explore universal themes of repression and liberation. They share a focus on character interiority, a serious emotional weight, and a visual style that emphasizes the beauty and constraints of the era.

Unlock the Full Story of Carol

Don't stop at just watching — explore Carol in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Carol is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Carol Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Carol, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Carol Timeline

Track the full timeline of Carol with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Carol Ending Explained

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Carol Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Carol

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Carol: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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Discover movies like Carol that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.