Set in a dystopian future America, a team of journalists race against time to reach DC before the rebel factions descend upon the White House. Seasoned war journalists Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and Joel (Wagner Moura) end up with a couple of tag-alongs on their perilous journey to DC, aspiring journalist Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) and distinguished political writer Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson). Each and every encounter the closer they get to the capital is fraught with danger.
Civil War promised a lot and although it didn’t quite deliver, it’s disturbing and heart-pounding where it counts. It might have been my own expectation or the picture that the trailer painted but whatever the reason, Civil War felt like it didn’t live up to it’s full potential. For anyone who has yet to see it, be warned it’s not what the trailer makes it seem. It’s a character driven story about journalism as we witness the horrors of war through their camera lens. There are scenes that will no doubt have viewers on the edge of their seats. The stand out scene for many is probably the Jesse Plemons scene. And rightly so because it’s terrifying, he’s a great actor for making the best use of a small yet impactful role. The acting from everyone is honestly great but the clear standout performance is Kirsten Dunst. She is absolutely brilliant at portraying the war photographer clearly at a point where she has become desensitized to the ongoing violence. Compare that to the inexperienced journalist, Jessie, who becomes a representation of the viewer as we see these horrifying scenes for the first time.
With piercing gunshots that are quite deafening, the sound in Civil War is very effective in throwing you right in the middle of the conflict. I didn’t quite get the random music choices throughout but maybe that’s just me. Overall I was left feeling like the idea for this film was there but not as well executed as it could have been.
It’s generated lots of discourse and will continue to be perhaps 2024’s most talked about film and does seem to have divided lots of people. But if there’s one thing I think most people can agree on is it’s clear with its anti-war message. It may leave a lot unsaid and open to interpretation and it’s clearly drawn on some real life recent events in its depiction of a dystopian America. But even as I write this, the threat of WWIII is looming and I wish that was an over exaggeration but with the world the way it is today, the importance of honest journalism during times of conflict cannot be understated. Civil War reminds us just how important real journalists are and how dangerous it can be.
Civil War isn’t as good as Garland’s Ex Machina but it’s a lot better than Men. And even though all of Garland’s films may not land for everyone, he’s a great director and it’s sad to see he doesn’t want to direct anymore. Hopefully he stays involved in the writing side of filmmaking because I really do love 28 Days Later and Sunshine. Civil War is recommended for everyone, it’s a provocative and thought-provoking film that everyone should see at least once.
★★★☆☆
Mad For Movie Reviews 