"Carol" is a beautiful forbidden romance from years gone by. Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara) is instantly intrigued by Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) when they meet in a department store. Therese is drawn to the regal older woman, and the two soon become friends. But their friendship eventually grows into more as each woman is struggles with their sexuality and their own failed relationships. But unfortunately for Carol, her relationship with her daughter is at stake amid her divorce from her husband, and he's using her sexuality to punish her. Nothing will stop these two women from giving in to their feelings for each other, though.