Todd Haynes’ line-toeing between melodrama and plain good drama elevates this Patricia Highsmith adaptation to the level of Christmas classic, along with Cate Blanchett’s face for the ages and cinematographer Edward Lachman’s gorgeous soft-focus jewel tones. Sparks fly during the Fifties Christmas rush when young department store employee Therese meets elegant divorcée and mother Carol, and a wintry swoonfest ensues. Wear your Santa garb to the screening if you want to hear Blanchett tell you, “I like the hat.” – Lina Fisher
