Movie Breakdown: Civil War

Pre-Screening Stance:

Alex Garland is a big name who has written and/or directed a lot great films (Ex-Machina, Annihilation, Sunshine, 28 Days Later, etc.), and that alone means Civil War is must-see material. Also, let’s face it, this movie does feel particularly timely given that it’s an election year.

Post-Screening Ramble:

Civil War is and isn’t as advertised. Yes, it’s an intense ride, but no, it’s not necessarily all about a modern American civil war. The film follows two celebrated journalists, Joel (Wagner Moura) and Lee (Kirsten Dunst), who have decided that they want to make a long, dangerous drive to DC in order to try and get an exclusive interview with the President (Nick Offerman). They initially intend to go it alone, but their colleague Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and an upstart photographer, Jesse (Cailee Spaeny), hitch a ride with them. As the four make their way to their destination, you get a glimpse of a dystopian, war-torn America. This journey also provides a whole lot of insight about war-time journalism, as that’s really what this film is about. If you’re wanting a straight up action flick where its protagonists are working towards a way to end the war (or something), you won’t find that here. You don’t even get the who/what/when/where/why of the war. The film picks up during what appears to be the final stretch of the conflict and there’s not much info – apart from the occasional insightful comment here or there – that’s given. Instead, Civil War is writer/director Alex Garland diving into what it would be like to document such an event and what it would ultimately do to those doing the documenting. For anyone that may be disappointed by this, I get it, but I will say that this angle gives the film such a gritty, ground-level view that the end result is an entirely disconcerting experience that feels all too realistic. And sure, this means it’s not exactly an “entertaining” time, but the thought-provoking punch it delivers is a worthwhile alternative, plus the film contains one of the best performances of Kirsten Dunst’s career.

I think you should see Civil War, but you would be wise to adjust your expectations (remember: it’s an A24 film, not a summer blockbuster). It hits theaters this Friday, April 12.

One Last Thought:

Jesse Plemons is only in this movie for around five minutes but he’s definitely the most unsettling part of it.