Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this Jodie Foster/Kate Winslet dramedy based on the play God of Carnage and directed by controversial filmmaker Roman Polanski starts with a simple enough premise: Two couples get together to discuss why one pair's child hit another at the playground. But the movie is actually an intense examination of how the couples' "civil" conversation gets derailed and becomes a squabble. The subject matter and tone aren't likely to interest tweens or younger teens (though there's definitely loads to think about), but older teens might actually find it an interesting film to dissect with their parents, as it looks at issues of personal responsibility, parenting styles, and the like. The main iffy content is swearing (including "f--k") and drinking (the couples get pretty drunk as the afternoon wears on).

Sexual Content

Not applicable

Violence

Some yelling among the four main characters and frank discussions about bullying. One couple's child hit the other's with a tree branch, injuring him, but the incident isn't shown.

Language

Relatively infrequent swearing, but words include "f--k," "bitch," "damn," and more.

Social Behavior

In some ways, the film is sort of depressing, with the couples airing their dirty laundry and parenting woes. But there is a cautionary message about the dangers of parents channeling their own issues through their children's lives.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

The two couples progressively get plastered during the afternoon they spend discussing their sons' quarrel.