Civil War review: Alex Garland's hallucinogenic exploration of polarized American culture

 In this violent action thriller, war photographers Lee (Kirsten Dunst) are keen to get the money picture as fratricidal violence has escalated in North America.


In Civil War, Kristen Dunst plays seasoned combat photojournalist Lee.

Writer-director Alex Garland orchestrates a visually stunning yet politically ambiguous depiction of a futuristic dystopian "civil war" in this action-packed thriller. The scene is set with hundreds of extras strewn across the road beside overturned burnt-out cars, amidst CGI-rendered demolished buildings in the hazy distance. Despite its reluctance to directly address the underlying issues fueling such conflict, this approach potentially broadens the film's appeal to a wider audience. However, it culminates in a visceral showdown reminiscent of a scene from Call of Duty, set within the heart of American democracy, possibly drawing inspiration from the events of the January 6 Capitol attack. Here, the stakes become palpable, offering a glimpse into a world of genuine horror and chaos.

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The film portrays an America torn apart by unspecified divisions, with the rebellious secessionist forces, known as the Western Forces (WF), seizing control of states like Texas and California and advancing towards Washington DC. Meanwhile, the president, played by Nick Offerman, remains in denial, delivering delusional television addresses about the state of affairs.

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A group of daring photojournalists embarks on a perilous journey behind enemy lines, riding in a press SUV with the Western Forces (WF) as they advance towards the capital. Each member secretly harbors hopes of capturing the ultimate money shot: the capture or demise of the commander-in-chief. Veteran war photographer Lee, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, wears a perpetually solemn and disapproving expression, akin to a sorrowful schoolteacher. Her companion, Reuters reporter Joel (Wagner Moura), thrives on the adrenaline of warfare, reveling in the exhilaration after each intense encounter. Aging veteran Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) serves as the voice of reason, representing wisdom amidst the chaos. Recently graduated Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) cunningly persuades Joel to let her join their journey, transforming from a naive novice into a savvy wisecracker overnight. They engage in discussions, typical of fictional war journalists, pondering the impact of journalism and the ethical dilemmas they face, yet strangely avoiding the root cause of the civil war.
Despite their diversity, it's apparent which member of the group might eventually make a sacrificial act of bravery to save the others. Along their journey, Garland subjects them to bizarre and surreal experiences, punctuated by evocative musical selections that mirror their dissociative trauma. These encounters are abruptly interrupted at times, adding to the sense of disorientation. For instance, they find themselves trapped by a sniper in a deserted playground, accompanied by incongruous Christmas music, only to inexplicably return to safety in the car moments later. It's a series of strange and violent episodes, devoid of any clear ideological significance, resembling a chaotic and disorderly dream.

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