‘Civil War’ is at times astonishing, yet it will likely be one of the hardest films to watch in 2024. Alex Garland’s latest and perhaps finest work shines a mirror on divisiveness that plagues America. While to some, a Civil War might seem farfetched and something from our nation’s past, one can’t but realize just how closer we are to seeing history repeat itself. Art often does imitate life.
Garland doesn’t spare anyone in how he showcases the sheer brutality of this reality both in actions and eventual outcomes. The sound design only enhances the experience for viewers as well. One shocking image is immediately followed up with unmistakable sound of death all around. What did surprise me in the film is that Garland didn’t attempt to inject any amount of reason into these events. Perhaps he was attempting to showcase how their comes a moment when all reason is lost. Several occasions occur during the film where members of “separatists” are asked about their “plan” moving forward. All seemed focus on disposing of the enemy and nothing else. No one seems to be wondering what happens when all of this is over. What does happen the fighting stops? Does it ever stop?
Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Stephen McKinley Henderson are war time journalists charged with covering the events which are unfolding. Cailee Spaeny is a young photographer who aspires to cover the war and idolizes photographer Lee Smith who is played by Dunst. The idea of war time journalists imbedded into a Civil War which takes place on American Soil does add shock value to the film. We are used to seeing those images of individuals imbedded in the Middle East not in Washington DC. Smith is desensitized to these events and Spaeny’s character has romanticized the idea of working behind the front line. Over the course of the movie, Jessie (Spaeny) starts to understand why Smith is how she is.
Dunst gives a career best performance is what had to be an emotionally trying role. Nick Offerman (who plays the President) and Jessie Plemons (who plays a solider in the film) are outstanding as well. This is the type of film which isn’t fading away anytime soon. Expect much more about this film once the award season chatter begins a few months from now.