New short film, Carol Support Group, shows us that we are not alone in our addiction.
You. Are. Not. Alone. We all struggle with the yearning of wanting to watch the Oscar-nominated lesbian-themed film Carol on a daily basis. When the 2015 film began catching the eyes—and hearts—of us gals with the release of its first trailer, we knew we were going to be in a heap of trouble. With the anticipation of its release into select cities after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, we Carol addicts of the world united to triumph the performances (Cate Blanchett! Rooney Mara! Sarah Paulson!) and representation that the film gave to our community.
Now be honest, how many times did you see it in the theatres? Four? Five? Six times? I myself saw it three times on the big screen and immediately pre-ordered it on DVD a couple months later. But almost two years later we still feel it. We still feel the fresh cut it has made into our hearts. So guess what? Writer/Director/Badass Allison Tate wrote a short film that specifically speaks to us who obsess over Cate and Rooney.
Carol Support Group is a clever eight-minute short film that focuses around a band of Carol film addicts discussing their temptations in wanting to live out their fantasies and urges they have from the film.
This is a support group for people addicted to the movie; I raise my hand, and descends into a bit of mayhem as superfan Blanche embodies Carol Aird, luring her fellow addicts and therapist into temptation.
“A fellow journalist at The Advocate, Yezmin Villarreal, planted the idea in my mind,” said Tate. “She got the idea because, when Carol came out, all our office could talk about was what a life-changing film it was. She suggested a sketch about a group of people addicted to Carol. Like we all were!”
Honestly sounds like the best office on the planet. I can reiterate when I say that we are not alone in this power struggle of addiction. Is it so bad though?
Is the addiction of being so invested and involved in one singular piece of cinema something that we should be ashamed of? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
“I’m a proud Carol addict. I think Carol addicts know who they are,” said Tate. “We are self-diagnosed. And if we’re in denial, I think the people around us can tell! I can’t define a Carol addict, but I think there are some signs: Have you watched Carol more than 10 times? Have you dressed up or considered dressing up as a Carol character for Halloween? Have you created Carol fan art/fan fiction/a fan social media account? Do you have a Carol shrine in your home? Have you lied about what you’re doing just to get a Carol fix? Do you dream of Carol? If you answered yes to any or all of those questions, you might be a Carol addict. Welcome.”
Carol Support Group is a genuinely witty and entertaining short that serves as the perfect homage to Todd Haynes’ feature and to the Carol fans (addicts) around the globe. After having its world premiere at Frameline, San Francisco’s elite LGBTQ film festival, Carol Support Group looks to conquer the festival circuit through the end of the year.
I just need a time and place and I’ll see everyone next meeting. I’ll bring the poached eggs and creamed spinach.