Roman Polanski's major coup is not just in telling us such a universally resonant tale, but in gathering such a brilliant group of actors in a one space, and letting them loose at each other.

I'm not convinced it's particularly deep or insightful, but there is some enjoyment to be had from watching four actors at the top of their game get to where they do get to.

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

Unlike Sam Peckinpah, Roman Polański does not linger on the cruelty of children [in Carnage]. The quartet of actors delivers top-notch performances with Waltz confirming his creative flair using a grotesque repertoire made up of sudden chuckles and grunts