Is The Carnival Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Carnival is likely a skip if you enjoy Documentary movies.
It features a runtime of 78 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Carnival Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, The Carnival emerges as a significant entry in the Documentary domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Since they were children, every summer they used to participate together in the traditional carnivals of their hometown. Unlike standard genre fare, The Carnival attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Marco Berger, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Documentary elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Documentary is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Carnival features a noteworthy lineup led by Vilmar Paiva. Supported by the likes of Franco Heiler and Gaston Re, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Vilmar Paiva, Franco Heiler, Gaston Re manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2021 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Documentary space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Carnival is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Carnival follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 78 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Carnival resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Documentary landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Carnival is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Since they were children, every summer they used to participate together in the traditional carnivals of their hometown. This magical celebration, transform men of the community into dionysiac figures with makeup, coloured costumes, glitter and feathers. Alcohol, friendship and parties out of control become the limelight. Boundaries get blurred with the heat of the sun at the edge of the imposing Paraná River.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Carnival (2021) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Documentary categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Vilmar Paiva, Franco Heiler, Gaston Re or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Carnival is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2021. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch The Carnival Online?
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The Carnival has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Carnival stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Carnival movie hit or flop?
The Carnival is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.5/10 and lower collections.
Is The Carnival worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.5/10, The Carnival may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch The Carnival online?
The Carnival is currently available for streaming on Dekkoo. You can also check for it on platforms like Dekkoo, Dekkoo Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Synopsis
Since they were children, every summer they used to participate together in the traditional carnivals of their hometown. This magical celebration, transform men of the community into dionysiac figures with makeup, coloured costumes, glitter and feathers. Alcohol, friendship and parties out of control become the limelight. Boundaries get blurred with the heat of the sun at the edge of the imposing Paraná River.