About the film (courtesy of A24):
From filmmaker Alex Garland comes a journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.

Alex Garland’s Civil War isn’t just a film; it’s a brutal, poetic, and somewhat thought-provoking experience. Set in a dystopian future America ravaged by a second civil war, the film follows a team of jaded, war-worn journalists embedded with the military. Their mission: race against time to document the conflict and get the story out before rebel factions overrun Washington D.C.

The true strength of Civil War lies in its unsettling realism. Garland doesn’t shy away from the horrors of war. We witness battles through the unflinching lens of the journalists, experiencing the bone-chilling chaos and the dehumanizing violence firsthand. The sound design is particularly masterful, with long stretches of tense silence punctuated by the deafening roar of gunfire and explosions. This approach creates a palpable sense of dread, reminding us that amidst the adrenaline rush, war is ultimately a tragedy.

However, the promise of a deeper exploration of this fractured America fizzles out. The film spends more time on action sequences, which while competently shot, feel repetitive and ultimately detract from the film’s central themes. The human cost of war is relegated to brief moments of shock value, failing to resonate on a deeper level.

Civil War‘s central conflict also feels muddled. The reasons behind the societal collapse are left frustratingly vague. We are given glimpses of a divided populace and a dysfunctional government, but the film never fully delves into the root causes, leaving the audience with a sense of unease rather than true understanding.

Furthermore, the characters themselves remain underdeveloped, for the most part. Kirsten Dunst delivers a solid performance, but her character lacks the depth needed to fully anchor the narrative. The supporting cast fares even worse, reduced to one-dimensional archetypes – the idealistic newbie (Cailee Spaeny), the jaded cameraman (Wagner Moura)– who fail to leave a lasting impression, and the father figure with all the wisdom (Stephen McKinley Henderson).

The film also explores the psychological toll war takes on journalists. These characters grapple with adrenaline addiction, survivor’s guilt, and the constant struggle to make sense of the senseless. Garland portrays their descent into a kind of moral ambiguity in both an interesting and tiresome way. They become increasingly numb to the violence around them, their humanity slowly chipped away by their relentless pursuit of the truth. These continuous cycles become repetitive which greatly decreases the intended impact that Garland is attempting to achieve.

This portrayal of the press will most likely spark some sort of debate. Some critics may argue that it paints journalists as vultures, more interested in the “scoop” than the human cost. However, that cynical view may get people talking, which we all have heard the saying, “any press is good press.” It may just be something much simpler such as Garland asking: Can anyone stay objective in the face of such relentless barbarity?

Visually, Civil War is stunning. The war-torn landscapes are eerily beautiful, a stark contrast to the brutality that unfolds within them. The film utilizes a clever technique where still photographs, presumably taken by the journalists, are incorporated into the action sequences. This serves a dual purpose: It reinforces the role of the media in shaping our perception of war, and it allows for moments of heartbreaking beauty amidst the chaos.

Civil War isn’t a film for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging watch, both visually and emotionally. For those willing to confront its unflinching portrayal of war, it offers a powerful and unforgettable experience. It’s a film that not all will enjoy if you’re one of the people who is looking for a clearly defined story. This film is definitely open for interpretation, similar to a Jackson Pollock painting.

Civil War attempts to prompt a reflection on the human cost of conflict and the struggle to find meaning in a world gone mad, but I don’t know if mainstream audiences are going to be up for an experience like this. I know I wasn’t really onboard with this film as a whole.

While I can’t strongly recommend Civil War, some may want to check this very LOUD production out in theaters starting this Friday, April 12.