Carol (2015 Todd Haynes)

As subversive as Far From Heaven as it portrays a beautiful 1950s - via production designer Judy Becker and cameraman Ed Lachman (shooting on 16mm) - in which society crushes the desires of the individual - Cate Blanchett's child is monstrously stolen from her through charges of amorality just because she's fallen for Roony Mara.

A low key treatment, suitably underscored by Carter Burwell. No coincidence that it uses the opening device from Brief Encounter. A subtle film of great style, perhaps lacks emotion, and doesn't have a funny line in it. Apart from a moment with a gun it doesn't seem familiar Patricia Highsmith material either - her 1952 novel 'The Price of Salt' - published under a pseudonym - is the source, adapted by Phyllis Nagy (her only screenplay).

Superbly directed - the two girls are frequently shot on the edge of vertical lines, suggesting confinement, or just visible through foreground movement. Good article on the shooting, which references photographer Saul Leiter, here.

Blanchett, Lachman, Roony

The leads are fine. With Kyle Chandler as the eruptive husband, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy.