Carnage Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two sets of parents meet to discuss their kids fighting, and it devolves into them fighting about everything except their kids, proving that adulthood is just an elaborate playground brawl with wine and passive-aggressive comments.

🍿 Carnage: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Meeting Begins

The film opens with two sets of parents, Penelope and Michael Longstreet, and Nancy and Alan Cowan, meeting in the Longstreet’s Brooklyn apartment. They are there to discuss an altercation between their sons, Zachary and Ethan, where Zachary hit Ethan with a stick, resulting in dental damage.

Civilized Discussion Turns Sour

Initially, the conversation is polite and seemingly productive, with the parents attempting to find common ground and discuss how to resolve the situation. However, tensions gradually rise as their differing personalities and parenting styles clash. Alan’s constant phone calls and Penelope’s insistence on moral absolutes contribute to the escalating conflict.

Alliances Shift and Cracks Appear

As the afternoon progresses and alcohol flows, the couples’ civilized facade crumbles, revealing deeper cracks in their marriages and personal beliefs. Alliances shift as the men find common ground in their frustration with their wives, while the women grapple with their own disillusionment and dissatisfaction. Nancy’s unexpected bout of vomiting further throws the situation into chaos.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Penelope Longstreet (Jodie Foster): Penelope is an uptight writer and bookseller who is passionate about justice but becomes increasingly agitated as the meeting with the other parents devolves.
• Michael Longstreet (John C. Reilly): Michael is a hardware salesman and Penelope’s husband who tries to maintain civility but eventually reveals his own frustrations and biases.
• Nancy Cowan (Kate Winslet): Nancy is a nervous and emotionally stressed investment broker who initially tries to be polite but becomes increasingly volatile and loses control as the day progresses.
• Alan Cowan (Christoph Waltz): Alan is a workaholic lawyer and Nancy’s husband who is more interested in his phone and career than the situation at hand, revealing an arrogant demeanor.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Alan: “I saw your friend Jane Fonda on TV the other day. Made me want to run out and buy a Ku Klux Klan poster.” – Alan makes this outrageous statement to Penelope, highlighting his cynical and provocative nature.
• Penelope: “We are not the Third World, we have insurance.” – Penelope says this expressing her views, as the conversation turns towards the incident involving their children.
• Michael: “I’m a short-tempered person, I’ve had enough of the touchy-feely bullshit.” – Michael exclaims this during one of the heated arguments between the couples.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,547,047
• Worldwide Gross: $30,035,601

💥 Carnage Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Carnage’ and feeling like I was intruding on a very intense therapy session. The acting was phenomenal – you can feel the animosity simmering just below the surface. The scene where Kate Winslet’s character throws up? Absolutely unforgettable! It’s a movie that makes you think about how easily civility can crumble when pressure is applied. I found myself cringing and laughing, sometimes at the same time. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s a fascinating one.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Those interested in films about complex relationships”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong acting performances”
  • “People who enjoy dialogue-driven movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Adult themes”
  • “Brief scene of vomiting”
  • “Discussions of violence”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Polanski’s ‘Carnage’ is a claustrophobic, often uncomfortable experience. The performances are undeniably strong, but the film’s reliance on theatrical dialogue sometimes feels forced, preventing it from fully translating to the screen.
• RogerEbert.com: “Carnage succeeds largely due to its impeccable cast. Foster, Winslet, Waltz, and Reilly navigate the film’s shifting alliances with precision and humor. While the film may be confined by its stage origins, Polanski manages to create a compelling and unsettling character study.

Audience Reactions

The raw, unfiltered dialogue resonated deeply with viewers, making them question their own relationships.: Viewers appreciated the film’s unflinching look at marital and social hypocrisy.

The actors’ performances were consistently cited as the film’s biggest strength.: The cast elevated what could have been a stuffy, stage-bound adaptation into a captivating cinematic experience.

Overall Consensus: ‘Carnage’ is a dark comedy elevated by its stellar cast, offering a biting commentary on social decorum and the fragility of relationships, though some find its theatrical origins limiting.

Awards

1. César Award (Best Adaptation)- 2012

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the play “God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza, who co-wrote the screenplay with Roman Polanski.”
• “The entire movie, except for the opening and closing park scenes, takes place in one apartment, creating a claustrophobic and intense atmosphere.”
• “Director Roman Polanski had to shoot the film in Paris because he is still wanted in the United States on past charges.”

🖥️ How to Watch Carnage?

Carnage is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video for rental or purchase. It’s also often available on Apple TV and other digital movie retailers for on-demand viewing. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Carnage, you might like these similar films:

• Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): A classic, intense drama featuring two couples whose evening together devolves into a brutal and revealing series of confrontations and arguments.
• Death of a Salesman (1985): Explores the breakdown of relationships and the shattering of the American Dream within a family, similar to the marital discord in ‘Carnage’.
• Glengarry Glen Ross (1992): Features a high-powered cast in a pressure-cooker environment, showcasing the dark side of human nature and desperation.
• August: Osage County (2013): A dark comedy-drama centered around a dysfunctional family gathering where long-simmering resentments boil over, leading to explosive confrontations and revelations.

🛒 Carnage Related Products

• Carnage [Blu-ray]: Own the film on Blu-ray and experience the sharp dialogue and intense performances in high definition. A must-have for any collector of dark comedies and character-driven dramas.
• God of Carnage: A Play: Read the original play by Yasmina Reza that inspired the film. Explore the source material and compare the stage version with Polanski’s adaptation.
• Kate Winslet Signed Photo: Own a autographed photo of Kate Winslet. High quality 8 x 10 photo.
• John C. Reilly Bobblehead: A detailed replica of the popular actor, John C. Reilly. Unique piece of collection to display.

🎧 Soundtrack

Carnage features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Bushel and a Peck” – performed by Frank Loesser

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Venom is a Symbiotist – TOON SANDWICH #venom #carnage #funny #shorts

Curious about a hilarious animated spin on Venom and Carnage? This Toon Sandwich short is a must-watch, blending humor and creativity to bring these characters to life in a new way.

Why Does Carnage Want To Kill Venom? #marvel #venom2 #sonyverse

Ever wondered why Carnage has such a vendetta against Venom? This video breaks down their complex relationship, offering insights into their origins and motivations.

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