There are so many layers to this movie from the feminist POV, the metaphor of the modern era and suburbia being what’s making Carol sick, the upper class and women’s place in it, how the AIDS crisis around the world was handled, how society treat people with illnesses, and so much more. It was especially interesting to watch in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is really the case when you notice during the seminar only one person is wearing a mask. You can really see a lot of Todd Haynes’s interests as the environmental sensitivity impact of chemicals comes back around in DARK WATERS. It really makes you think how progress can be harmful. The first half of the film is so strong. It reminded me of a lot Polanski’s REPULSION at times. I loved the pastel color palette that really compliments the yuppie era it’s set in. I also really loved the slow push ins the camera does from time to time. It becomes so frustrating that no one believes her even after she collapses, bleeds, and froths at the mouth. It’s a scathing indictment on how society treats women. The second half of the film reminded me a lot of NOMADLAND mainly because of the wide open spaces and the sparse abodes everyone is in. Once it moves to this cult-like commune, the film really starts to lose me in both its plot and pacing. I would have loved to seen Carol stay in the suburbs and come undone more and more. However the final moments are so powerful especially because of how hypnotic Julianne Moore’s eyes are in that moment. For that matter Julianne Moore is so good in this.
