Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Talky play-based film examines parental woes; some swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Carnage
What's the Story?
Husband and wife Michael (John C. Reilly) and Penelope (Jodie Foster) have invited over another couple, Alan (Christoph Waltz) and Nancy (Kate Winslet), to discuss a most unfortunate incident: Alan and Nancy's son hit Michael and Penelope's son with a stick at a Brooklyn playground, injuring him. At first it everything seems to go well; everyone's civil and on their best behavior. But soon the meeting devolves into an airing of recriminations and regrets -- not just about what happened, but of marriage, parenting, and life in general.
Is It Any Good?
We get to see four fine actors do what they do best here, and that may be this film's biggest offering. You can imagine that CARNAGE, in its original, Tony-winning stage version, would be thrilling to watch -- so quick is the patter, so witty the banter, so sharp the material. And all that's definitely still here. The film is incisive, breathtakingly well-acted (Foster is at her brittle, earnest best), and uproarious in many parts.
But well within the first half-hour, it feels limited by its setting: a living room in Brooklyn. It's so clearly a play that you can't help but be distracted by the staginess. Viewers who didn't know it was a play first will probably be particularly perplexed about why we're stuck in this one apartment; the only reprieve (and it truly feels like one) is when the couples briefly go out into the hallway. The dialogue is also sometimes a giveaway; it's expository, and everyone talks a lot.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie portrays parenting. Are the characters good parents? How do they compare to other parents you've seen in the movies/on TV?
Are either or both sets of parents hovering too much over their kids? Or are they the opposite? Is either style better than the other?
Can you tell that this movie was based on a play? Do plays generally translate well to the big screen? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 16, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : March 20, 2012
- Cast : Christoph Waltz , Jodie Foster , John C. Reilly , Kate Winslet
- Director : Roman Polanski
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 80 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language
- Last updated : July 12, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate