Alex Garland’s Civil War in one word could be described as “harrowing.” Garland almost never lets up, jumping from one gut turning scene to another. The film very realistically depicts urban warfare in the way many other countries have experienced in our own reality.
The main focus is on a group of journalists consisting of Lee (Kirsten Dunst) a war photographer, Joel (Wagner Moura) a journalist, Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) an older journalist, and Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) a young photographer who looks up to Lee.
The group is headed on a trip from New York to Washington D.C. to document the front lines of the war and attempt to get a few questions in to the President of The United States (Nick Offerman).
Many critics believe that the war depicted in the film is too apolitical, with the film not making it clear if the Western Forces (California and Texas) or the Loyalist States are the righteous ones. Personally, I feel this is a strength of the movie, it’s not about the nuisances of the political nature of the Union, it’s about the boots-on-the-ground journalists simply telling the truth. And the fact of the matter is that war is all around ugly.
All the actors in the film are playing their parts pretty great and nobody falters for a moment. Cailee Spaeny is especially a standout as Jessie who is in way over her head and whose fear is palpable in nearly every scene.
Kirsten Dunst also is very good as Lee, who as an already seasoned photojournalist, is portrayed very stoically for the majority of the film. However, my only gripe with the character is the 180 she seems to do in the third act (which of course is no fault of Dunst).
Wagner Moura’s Joel also brings a touch of levity to the film and is a really great addition. Stephen McKinley Henderson is my king. Jesse Plemons also makes an appearance and has a scene that is easily the most bone chilling in the entire film. While some characters didn’t get wholly satisfying conclusions from a story standpoint, that is ultimately the reality of war.
The cinematography and overall camera work is also very impressive and really brings you into the action. This in conjunction with the sound (or lack thereof in some cases) made for an incredible viewing experience. All of the action felt very personal and real. It was almost like you were part of the crew documenting the fight. I also loved how every time a photo was taken we got a lone snapshot on screen. It was nice to see the differences between Lee and Jessie’s photography styles.
The score to this film is pretty understated and isn’t very prominent however the soundtrack to the film is killer. Every time a song plays its almost used in an apathetic way, playing a De La Soul in this somehow works in the films favor.
Ultimately I thoroughly enjoyed what might be Alex Garland‘s final lone directing gig. I hope he changes his mind because while he may have stumbled with Men, he clearly still has the ability to make a genuinely great movie.
Civil War is now playing in theaters. The film is directed and written by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation, Men) and stars Kirsten Dunst as Lee, Wagner Moura as Joel, Cailee Spaeny as Jessie, Stephen McKinley Henderson as Sammy, Nick Offerman as The President and Jesse Plemons.
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