Writer-director Alex Garland made a name for himself by writing the scripts for Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and Sunshine. He also wrote and produced 2012’s Dredd, in which he became an uncredited co-director with Pete Travis. While working on that film, Garland reexamined an idea for a movie he had in his childhood about artificial intelligence. The idea grew into Garland’s official directorial debut, 2014’s Ex Machina, which was both a critical and commercial success. He followed this up with 2018’s Annihilation, which underperformed at the box office despite earning similar critical acclaim. His next film, 2022’s Men, didn’t fare well either commercially and wasn’t as highly praised as his first two outings. That same year, A24 announced that they’d be producing Garland’s next film, which would be their most expensive to date. After premiering at SXSW, Alex Garland’s Civil War opened in theaters in April 2024.
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Synopsis
America is in ruins as a new civil war has erupted, though The President (Nick Offerman) believes victory is assured. Meanwhile, renowned war photojournalist Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) is trekking to DC to interview The President. Accompanied by her colleague Joel (Wagner Moura) and mentor Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), they set their sights on reaching Charlottesville. However, unbeknownst to Lee, Joel brings along a wannabe photojournalist named Jessie Cullen (Cailee Spaeny), who idolizes Lee. As the group journeys from New York to Charlottesville, they see how people are being affected by this war. Some actively stay out of it, others merely try to survive, and a few take advantage of the lawlessness. Along the way, Jessie learns what it truly means to be a photojournalist as Lee shows her the ropes. Will our heroes make the trip successfully, or will they be another casualty in this civil war?
Review
Given the political climate we’re living in, it was quite a risk for Lionsgate to release Civil War. The film doesn’t take a side one way or the other, but the conflict isn’t the central focus. Our focus is squarely on this group of journalists as they travel across a war-torn country to document what’s happening. It reminds me of World War Z (the book, not the movie), only without zombies and the conflict still happening. Like Max Brooks’ iconic book, this film explores what would happen if society crumbled and how people would respond. Some choose to ignore what’s happening, some run rampant and commit unspeakable acts, and others try to survive. Admittedly, the movie doesn’t explain what the war’s over or how the conflict started, but that’s not the point. While I don’t want to dissuade anyone from seeing this, you should know what you’re getting into.
Kirsten Dunst does a great job playing a somewhat disgruntled photojournalist who’s almost lost hope. You feel that she’s seen a lot in her day and is numb to everything that’s going on around her. Conversely, you have Cailee Spaeny as the young, ambitious, wannabe photojournalist who wants to live up to her idol. While she’s certainly seen quite a bit, she isn’t as exposed to the horrors of war as Dunst’s character. By the end, she goes through quite a character arc and becomes as despondent and almost unfeeling as Dunst. Wagner Moura and Stephen McKinley Henderson help balance things out and provide some good back-and-forths with Dunst and Spaeny. Since we’re following these four the most, it helps that they’re engaging and likable enough that we don’t mind. Also, a special mention goes to Jesse Plemons, who steals the show during his short screen time.
Like with his other movies, Alex Garland’s direction is solid, perfectly capturing a sense of chaos and dreariness. Whether it’s a long tracking shot or through the use of handheld cameras, he makes you feel like you’re there. Unlike many filmmakers who rely heavily on shaky cam, he uses it just enough to intensify the action. Also, the movie is violent but never gratuitous, which helps sell the point without going too far. Admittedly, the thought of California and Texas allying isn’t very realistic, which throws a wrench in the film’s credibility. Still, this film is a compelling cautionary tale of how easy it is for the US to fall into chaos. You may disagree with what’s shown, but it’s still thought-provoking and worth watching at least once. Overall, Civil War has some fantastic direction and excellent performances, but some might find its message divisive or controversial.
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