Carnage

Critics Consensus

It isn't as compelling on the screen as it was on the stage, but Carnage makes up for its flaws with Polanski's smooth direction and assured performances from Winslet and Foster.

71%

TOMATOMETER

Reviews Counted: 190

66%
liked it

Audience Score

User Ratings: 22,148

TOMATOMETER

N/A
All Critics | Top Critics
Average Rating: N/A
Reviews Count: 0
Fresh: 0
Rotten: 0

AUDIENCE SCORE

66%
Average Rating: 3.5/5

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Movie Info

Carnage is a razor sharp, biting comedy centered on parental differences. After two boys duke it out on a playground, the parents of the "victim" invite the parents of the "bully" over to work out their issues. A polite discussion of childrearing soon escalates into verbal warfare, with all four parents revealing their true colors. None of them will escape the carnage. -- (C) Sony Pictures Classics

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Cast

Kate Winslet
as Nancy Cowan
Jodie Foster
as Penelope Longstreet
Christoph Waltz
as Alan Cowan
John C. Reilly
as Michael Longstreet
Julie Adams
as Secretary
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News & Interviews for Carnage

Critic Reviews for Carnage

All Critics (190) | Top Critics (50)

  • The acting marathon is adroitly blocked and paced by Polanski and impeccably shot by Pawel Edelman.

    Feb 4, 2015 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
  • Given the powerhouse performers involved, this thing should have gone off like a powder keg, but [director Roman] Polanski apparently directed the film by text...A terrible film.

    Jun 30, 2012 | Rating: 1/5 | Full Review…
  • Some serious injury here, but not carnage.

    Feb 2, 2012 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
  • Brief, brutal and barmy.

    Jan 31, 2012 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

    Dave Calhoun

    Time Out
    Top Critic
  • Where previously we felt as trapped in Polanski's apartments as his characters, in Carnage we only ever peek in through the window.

    Jan 13, 2012 | Rating: 4.9/10 | Full Review…
  • The actors seem to have fun, particularly Foster, working against type as the thoroughly unlikable Penelope. But "Carnage" isn't nearly as bloody as it thinks it is.

    Jan 13, 2012 | Rating: C+ | Full Review…

    Tom Long

    Detroit News
    Top Critic

Audience Reviews for Carnage

½

A very funny comedy of manners adapted from an acclaimed play and elegantly directed, even if a bit repetitive after some time - and it takes place entirely inside an apartment, sustained by a sharp dialogue and exquisite performances, with Winslet and Waltz stealing the show.

Carlos Magalhães
Carlos Magalhães

Super Reviewer

I really wanted to watch this movie and now that i've seen it i am not disappointed! Its going to be a Marmite kind of film, your either going to Hate it with a passion or just absolutely Love it ! Me personally i Loved it! I thought it was original, written extremely well, it was acted beautifully which isn't a shock when its such a great cast! Its nice to see that Polanski has done one better than Ghost Writer as that was a truly dreadful movie! Its made beautifully and it sticks to the true form of being a play, which is great! Its Just a good movie that is thoroughly enjoyable and i just loved the ending a true play form which i loved!

Film Crazy
Film Crazy

Super Reviewer

½

Too unsubstantial to be a great movie. Pretty much two couples in one room arguing about a physical fight their sons got into. I believe it is adapted from a play. As such it feels unnatural and strained that they all stay in the room, annoyed as they are at each other. Performances are good. I'm not a parent, so the topic was not overly exciting to me. Maybe others would get more out of it.

Nicki Marie
Nicki Marie

Super Reviewer

½

I guess I am not a Roman Polanski fan...I'm still looking for the dark humor, or any humor, for that matter...

Cynthia S.
Cynthia S.

Super Reviewer

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