In the climax of the movie, Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) and Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) confront the societal challenges and personal obstacles that have hindered their relationship. The two women share a deep romantic connection, but they must navigate the complexities of the era’s societal expectations and norms.
In the resolution, Carol and Therese find themselves separated for a period as Carol deals with the legal consequences of her sexuality in a divorce proceeding. The two women exchange letters and eventually reunite. Carol invites Therese to spend Christmas with her, and the film concludes with the two of them sharing a moment of intimacy and understanding.
The ending is open to interpretation, and while it suggests a sense of hope and connection between the characters, it also acknowledges the challenges they face in a society that is not fully accepting of their relationship.
In summary, “Carol” ends with the central characters finding a moment of connection and intimacy despite the challenges posed by the societal norms of the time. The film explores themes of love, identity, and the struggles faced by individuals in same-sex relationships during the 1950s.