Carnage

Carnage

Year: 2011

Runtime: 79 min

Language: English

Director: Roman Polanski

DramaComedy

Following a playground altercation, two parents—a British journalist and his wife, and a liberal American couple—initially meet to mediate the situation. However, what begins as a polite discussion quickly devolves into a darkly comedic and increasingly volatile confrontation. As tensions escalate, long-simmering resentments and hidden truths surface, exposing the fragility of their carefully constructed facades and the chaotic underbelly of suburban life. The evening descends into a whirlwind of accusations and raw emotion, testing the limits of civility and revealing primal instincts.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Carnage (2011)

Trace every key event in Carnage (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Altercation at Brooklyn Bridge Park

The story begins with eleven-year-old Zachary Cowan attacking his classmate Ethan Longstreet with a stick during a heated argument in Brooklyn Bridge Park. This violent incident results in serious injuries for Ethan, including the loss of a tooth, prompting both families to become involved.

Brooklyn Bridge Park
2

Parents Decide to Convene

After the incident, Ethan's parents, Penelope and Michael, take the initiative to invite Zach's parents, Nancy and Alan, to their Brooklyn apartment. The aim is to have a calm discussion to address the altercation and find a resolution to the conflict between the boys.

Brooklyn apartment
3

Tensions Begin to Rise

As the meeting commences, the underlying tensions among the parents start to surface. Penelope emphasizes her desire for Zach to take responsibility for his actions, while Alan's focus on his job causes friction during the discussion, highlighting the conflicting priorities of the parents.

Brooklyn apartment
4

Clash of Values

Penelope is driven by her values of justice and human rights, insisting on their son's accountability, while Alan's dismissive attitude toward the situation becomes increasingly apparent. He even suggests covering Ethan's dental expenses without comprehending the emotional weight of the incident.

Brooklyn apartment
5

Escalating Arguments

What was intended to be a brief meeting transforms into a heated confrontation as various arguments erupt among the parents. Penelope's frustration grows, particularly at the Cowans' defensiveness regarding Zach’s behavior, creating a charged atmosphere filled with conflict.

Brooklyn apartment
6

Vomit Incident

The situation spirals further when Nancy, outraged by Alan's persistent phone interruptions, unexpectedly vomits on Penelope's treasured art book. This shocking event highlights the ongoing chaos and leads to a deeper exploration of the parents' hidden grievances.

Brooklyn apartment
7

Revelations of Parenting Struggles

In the fallout from the chaotic evening, personal flaws of the characters begin to emerge. Michael and Alan bond over their shared disdain for parenting challenges, while Penelope internally grapples with her issues of alcohol and her idealistic views of child-rearing.

Brooklyn apartment
8

Drunken Acknowledgment

As the night draws to a close, the parents reach a drunken conclusion, acknowledging the tumultuous day they have experienced. Nancy expresses an unsettling sense of relief, claiming to be glad that her son had hurt another child, signaling a complex moral ambiguity among the adults.

Brooklyn apartment
9

Unexpected Twist the Next Day

The day after the chaotic meeting, a surprising moment occurs when Ethan and Zach are seen in the park chatting amicably. This unexpected encounter suggests that despite the turmoil between the parents, the children have reached an unanticipated truce.

Brooklyn Park
10

Conclusion of the Dispute

The parents, having engaged in a tense and revealing dialogue, ultimately come to terms with their differing perspectives. The meeting serves as a microcosm of parental responsibility and societal expectations, encapsulating the complexity of contemporary family dynamics.

Brooklyn apartment

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 22:46

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Carnage Summary

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Carnage Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Carnage

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Carnage

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