Carol -B+

Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett

Rated R, 118 minutes

Love often knows no boundaries of time and space. That is the subject of the superbly acted, affecting new Todd Haynes romantic drama "Carol" that tells the love story of two women. Haynes, who tread similar ground in the Julianne Moore in 2002's "Far From Heaven," does a lovely job evoking the look and feel of 1950's New York City, in which the film is set. Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) spots the beautiful, elegant Carol (Cate Blanchett) perusing the doll displays in a 1950s Manhattan department store. The two women develop a fast bond that becomes a love with complicated consequences. Directed by Haynes and written by playwright Phyllis Nagy and based on Patricia Highsmith's groundbreaking 1952 novel "The Price of Salt," "Carol" is a groundbreaking film: an emotionally satisfying, slow-moving and compelling portrait of a shopgirl (Mara) who becomes involved with the older housewife (Blanchett) who is caught in a divorce and custody battle over her daughter. The rich performances from both Mara and Blanchett become the highlight of the excellent "Carol," with added texture in the first-rate production design, costumes from Oscar-winner Sandy Powell (who'll likely be nominated again for this), handsome photography from Edward Lachman and the moving score by Carter Burwell. Considering the subject matter, don't expect it'll be tawdry, preachy or oversentimental, but a complex love story between two women handled with remarkable restraint and subtly, and these two have everything to lose: Carol has a child with her husband ("Friday Night Lights" Kyle Chandler) and Therese a burgeoning photographer. Haynes let the story unfold nicely and naturally and doesn't feel forced, though you have an idea of the heartbreak that will come for these ladies, who must choose between love and their existing commitments. Blanchett and Mara are sublimely convincing and engaging, and yes there is a mildly steamy love scene that's otherwise well-handled by Haynes. "Carol" is quietly powerful and moving and worthy of your time for the excellent turns by its leads, who should see many awards coming their way.