7.3
Carol fingerprint
Stunning style, immersive world, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Spectacle3
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Deeply romantic and deeply moving
- Romance10
- Pathos9
- Melancholy9
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
History, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability9
- Dialogue Centrality8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Character Depth10
Style
Standout cinematography, score, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Carol is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply romantic and deeply moving
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic, deeply moving, and profoundly sad.
All heart traits
- Romance10Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy9Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics5Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
HighHistory, the mind, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, the mind, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability9Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical10Period settings and real events.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth10Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, score, and editing
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, score, and editing stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization8Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
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About
Some people change your life forever.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Carol
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Carol worth watching?
Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 7.3, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 94). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Carol rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content.
How long is Carol?
1 h 58 min
Carol runs 1 h 58 min.
Is Carol based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Carol?
Not quite. Critics rate Carol higher (94) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Carol a box office hit?
Yes. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $40 million worldwide, 3.4 times its budget.
What language is Carol in?
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom, United States.
In how many countries can I watch Carol?
+52GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Carol in 66 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Carol use?
TV Tropes lists 68 storytelling tropes for Carol, including Unresolved Sexual Tension, Pretty in Mink, Beautiful Dreamer.