Civil War (2024)

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Forget the American dream. Alex Garland’s Civil War throws us headfirst into a dystopian America ravaged by discord and violence. The familiar symbols of unity have vanished. Crumbling buildings choke the air with acrid smoke, a constant reminder of the conflict. Abandoned cars litter the desolate streets, monuments to a society in freefall. Gone are the waving flags and soaring speeches; here, war is a grim reality etched in the details. This isn’t a war epic filled with grand battles; it’s a haunting exploration of the human cost, revealing the chilling conflict unfolding on American soil.

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Our journey unfolds with a group of war photographers and journalists led by the world-weary Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst). Initially reluctant to take on a protégé, she finds herself mentoring the wide-eyed Jessie (Cailee Spaeny). Their team also includes Lee’s colleague, Joel (Wagner Moura), a relentless journalist chasing an interview with their dictator-like president, and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), their veteran mentor. Together, they traverse the war-torn landscape, documenting the human cost of the conflict and grappling with agonizing moral choices along the way.

Garland’s narrative doesn’t shy away from war’s brutal realities. From bodies dangling off bridges to streets choked with abandoned cars, the film creates a constant sense of unease. The action sequences, particularly the intense climax at the White House, deliver a heart-pounding experience that’s a surprising departure from A24’s usual subdued aesthetic. Here, Garland embraces a blockbuster-like intensity, adding another layer of tension to his gripping narrative.

Visually, the film is a knockout. Stunning cinematography from Rob Hardy captures the stark reality of the war-torn environment without any Hollywood glamor. A haunting scene lingers on a hardened character cleaning blood pooling ominously in their truck’s seat, offering an unflinching portrayal of the war’s cost. The battles themselves reflect the chaos of real-world conflict, with characters shot unexpectedly, mirroring the unpredictable nature of war.

What sets Civil War apart is its refusal to offer simple answers. It avoids getting bogged down in choosing sides and instead focuses on the journalists’ relentless drive to uncover the truth, no matter the danger. This dedication to journalistic integrity and the risks they take to report the news elevates the film beyond a typical war drama, forcing viewers to confront the human cost of witnessing war’s brutality.

Dunst’s performance as Lee Smith is nothing short of phenomenal, capturing the veteran war photographer haunted by the ghosts of battles past. Her steely gaze reflects the horrors she’s witnessed, while a flicker of resilience remains buried deep within. Spaeny’s portrayal of Jessie’s transformation from a wide-eyed newcomer to a determined truth-seeker amidst the chaos is equally compelling. Their evolving journey takes a poignant turn when Jessie receives a surprising answer from Lee to a question that leaves her taken aback – what about photographing her death? This scene underscores Lee’s unwavering dedication to her craft, while Jessie’s growth mirrors her mentor’s commitment to documenting the brutal truths of war.

Civil War isn’t for those seeking a flag-waving war epic. This is a raw, unflinching look at a nation fractured, devoid of easy political answers. Garland’s brilliance lies in that very absence. The focus here isn’t on which side is “right,” but on the human cost documented by a team of journalists. The characters’ journey becomes a testament to sacrifice and unwavering commitment to truth, no matter the personal toll. This isn’t a film that offers easy answers. As the credits roll, a developing photograph emerges – a group of soldiers, their faces a mix of relief and something more unsettling, surrounding the fallen President. This image leaves you with a lingering question: is this liberation or something more sinister? The film ends without providing an answer, forcing you to grapple with the complexities of war long after the credits fade.