Centered on the compelling romance of its two female leads, this superior 50's-set drama features performances and imagery that are among the year's best.

Todd Haynes expertly directs Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as a married housewife and aspiring photographer/cashier, respectively. The pair meet, swoon and embark on a passionate cross-country road trip. Exploring a similar setting and subject matter as his equally well-mounted Far From Heaven (2002), Haynes prods the sexual mores of the period through characters' emotional responses to them.

Cinematographer Edward Lachman intricately shoots through windows – in cars, stores, houses – with sure-handed movements if any, creating a sense of measured voyeurism that lends itself to the plot. Also stirring is the score by Carter Burwell, which nicely encapsulates the central relationship's arc. Well-crafted and affecting, Carol impresses from both sides of the camera.

Final Grade: A- | 94/100 | ★★★½