12 Gays of Christmas

Carol

This is the most beautiful film ever made. Full stop. Next slide. I have nothing else to say. Because there have not yet been the words invented in this current version of English to do it justice. But I guess I’ll try anyway.

This entry only passes as a Christmas movie due to logistics. Otherwise, Carol was a critically-acclaimed hit. And, more importantly, an audience favorite. Sure, it’s aesthetically stunning. But it’s poignant, electric, almost painful love between the titular character and Therese Belevit, our heroine despite the film’s name, is sort of too much to bear.

We follow Therese, a young aspiring photographer. She’s entangled in a relationship with a man for whom she feels close to nothing, romantically. Then, she meets, is utterly fascinated by, and eventually, comes to fall in maddening love with Carol Aird. Carol is married to a man named Harge for some reason. And they have a daughter named Rindy, again, for some unexplainable reason. So, Therese accompanies Carol on a cross-country road trip while Harge attempts to take away her custody of Rindy. Soon, Carol realizes that Therese understands and adores her in ways no one has before. It’s an incredible exploration of companionship, finding oneself, adoration, dependency, and ultimately, irrevocable affection.

And the fact that the two protagonists are women is just a big fat wonderful win. This movie stands as a win for the LGBTQ+ community. And for women in general, or everyone with eyes and ears who gets to experience their journey. Though, be warned, you may feel the need to experience it more than once. The first time I saw it, I wept so hard, and so consistently, I missed 40-90% of what was in front of me.

I, too, am flung out of space, for SURE.

Related Story: 20 Best Muppet Christmas Carol Moments

What’s your favorite LGBTQ+ movie to watch during the holidays? Let us know in the comments below!