The film is about two 11-year-old boys named Zachary and Ethan. One day, the childish duo enters real violence, where Ethan suddenly loses his teeth. Over time, their parents hold a friendly meeting, but growing childish behavior may provoke discussion of chaos and more strange and surprising tactics.
While the film, at a staggering and quick 80 minute runtime, plays exceedingly well off the energy of the performers, the downfall ultimately lies in a "loss of steam" vigor that is evident by picture's end.
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.
What are supposed to be transgressive observations about the holy state of parenthood and matrimony instead come across as self-satisfied and shallow as the pieties Reza intends to puncture.
