Carolina Caroline | TIFF 2025 | Review by: Benjamin Garrett

“How do we know if we’re good people pretending to be bad, or bad people pretending to be good?” A whirlwind romance, a crime caper and a road movie that takes two grifting lovers across the American South - Carolina Caroline is a stunning modern day Bonnie and Clyde.

This film doesn’t reinvent the crime thriller, nor does it offer any game-changing takes on the romance genre. It approaches both sides so effectively, though, that it transcends genre norms to offer something special. Your heart will race during each increasingly risky con job, and flutter every time the movie slows down to spend time with our star-crossed lovers. Writer Tom Dean and Director Adam Rehmeier have struck a perfect balance of heart and heist, ensuring the audience truly cares about the fate of Oliver (Kyle Gallner) and Caroline (Samara Weaving).

However, the biggest reason you’ll care about them is the absolutely electric chemistry between Gallner and Weaving. Every time they share the screen (which is most of the movie) they light it up like the fuse on a stick of dynamite. Oliver and Caroline’s love burns hot and fast, and thanks to two exceptional performances, you can always feel the heat. Gallner continues to shine as one of the most underrated actors working today, playing Oliver so effortlessly cool, with just a hint of danger. With doe eyes and lip bites aplenty, Weaving plays up Caroline’s innocent country girl facade perfectly, especially once she acquires a real taste for grifting.

Drawing clear inspiration from 1970s cinema, this movie is dripping with old-school style. Despite taking place in the mid to late 90s (it’s never specified, which is a great stylistic choice), almost everything feels plucked from decades prior. Rehmeier’s direction is sharp and the editing is punchy - especially during the montage sequences. The original score is understated but beautiful, however the soundtrack is what really leaves a lasting impression. Complete with perfectly curated tracks that play harmoniously with crucial plot and character beats, it’s essentially the heartbeat of a film that already packs an emotional wallop.

With a fine-tuned balance of nail-biting thrills and a powerful, emotionally resonant love story, Carolina Caroline fires beautifully on both cylinders. Samara Weaving and Kyle Gallner set the screen ablaze, in this outstanding take on the classic Bonnie and Clyde story.

4.5/5

Written by: Benjamin Garrett

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