The Sunrise Theater wraps up a fine lineup of January films with the latest Roman Polanski project, "Carnage," a comedy/drama about two pairs of parents, one of whose child has hurt the others' at a public park, who meet to discuss the matter in a "civilized" manner.

The film is based on the award-winning play "God of Carnage," by French playwright Yasmina Reza.

"Carnage" features four top-tier actors - Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christopher Waltz and John C. Reilly - whose performances, along with Polanski's keen direction, produce what critic Glenn Kenny of MSN Movies calls "an absolutely virtuoso piece of cinema craft."

Both Winslet and Foster were nominated for Golden Globe Awards in the Best Actress category. The entire cast was honored with the Boston Film Critic Society's Best Ensemble Cast Award. "Carnage" will be shown from Thursday, Jan. 26, through Monday, Jan. 30, on weekdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. There will be no show on Saturday due to the Raise the Roof event. This film is rated R for language and runs for 80 minutes.

"Carnage" is a razor-sharp, biting comedy centered on parental differences. After two boys duke it out on a playground, the parents of the "victim" invite the parents of the "bully" over to work out their issues. A polite and cordial discussion of childrearing soon escalates into verbal warfare, with all four parents revealing their true colors. None of them will escape the carnage.

The film opened to good reviews, with praise for the direction and performances.

Mark Kennedy, of the Associated Press, wrote, "If you're into sheer domestic savagery, this is the film for you ... What's so frightening is how universal this plot is .... Foster and Winslet prove eminently worthy, but really the material is the best thing here."

Roger Ebert notes that "we have seen this dramatic trajectory before, where smooth politeness relentlessly erodes into foul-mouthed imprecations, but anyway, the point isn't the plot, it's the performances. Here four familiar actors seem ideally cast for their roles."

The historic Sunrise Theater, located at 250 NW Broad St. in Southern Pines, is nonprofit. Ticket prices are $7 for all shows. Refreshments, including beer and wine, are available.

For more information on "Carnage" or any activity at the Sunrise, contact the theater at (910) 692-8501 or go to www.sunrisetheater.com.