Rating 7/10
Director Alex Garland is a provocateur. His previous film, Men, clumsily blended horror elements with heavy-handed social commentary. Now, he’s back with Civil War, a movie that reflects on societal issues by thrusting us into the heart of a nation torn apart by civil strife. It specifically focuses on the human experience amidst unrest and the harsh reality of combat.
Set in the not-too-distant future, the United States is embroiled in a rapidly escalating multiparty civil war. Nick Offerman briefly appears as the President, an authoritarian serving his third term. In a rare moment, his character hints at real-world parallels. He’s rehearsing a speech to give to a fractured nation. The country is fragmented into various factions in the middle of this turmoil. States like California and Texas are traditionally regions on opposite sides of the political divide, but here they unite as the Western Forces. The unexpected alliance indicates that this account intentionally seeks to diverge from direct criticism of our present-day circumstances.
The trailer advertising this film upended all of my expectations. It was edited to suggest a politically charged narrative that would comment on the current political divide within the United States. Far from it. The actual film surprisingly sidesteps controversy by not delving into the specifics of the war. Instead, it centers on a team of four photographers on a dangerous road trip. Their mission is to document the combat while trying to remain neutral and stay alive. The danger and risk they face is palpable, making their journey all the more gripping. Their ultimate objective is to reach Washington DC and secure an interview with the President before rebel forces overrun the capital.
Drawing inspiration from apocalyptic sagas like HBO’s The Last of Us and Garland’s own screenplay for 28 Days Later, the picture immerses viewers in a visceral tale of survival. There are exciting developments, and I felt connected to this group of four people. The four photojournalists, Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst ), Joel (Wagner Moura), Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), form an interesting quartet of personalities. Actress Kirsten Dunst is particularly riveting as a seasoned journalistic lensman. Her hardened, seen-it-all personality anchors the story.
04-12-24