Directed by Alex Garland, Civil War is a surprisingly intense film. Tightrope walking the lines of neutrality, the direction with this was unexpected but flowed perfectly with the film’s intent at providing a look at a dystopian future America.
As the trailers depict, it’s a haunting portrait of an America that doesn’t seem too farfetched. The film follows a veteran war photographer in Lee (Kirsten Dunst) who plans on trekking from New York City to Washington D.C. with her colleague Joel (Wagner Moura) to get a quote from the President (Nick Offerman). In this America, the Western Forces (WF) consist of California and Texas, who have seceded from the country. There’s very little explanation when it comes to origin, but what the film lacks in historical depth, it makes up for in action and art.
While working out the logistics for their trip, Lee and Joel run into rival colleague and former mentor Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) and have their plans interrupted by a hungry, budding photographer in Jessie (Cailee Spaeny). What stands out in Lee and Jessie’s meeting and their departure the following morning is their appearance. It’s wild to think that American press would have to be boldly identified (war vests bearing the words “press”) in their own country. They even felt it necessary to have “press” visible on the side of their SUV.
While you might think you’re going to experience an Independence Day, Day After Tomorrow, Olympus Has Fallen type of disaster movie thanks to the trailer, you’re not. Instead, the director was clear in his net of neutrality, riding the fine line from beginning to end. Are there guns blazing? Yes. Will you view the film through the eyes of citizens or the government? No. The entirety of the film is told through the journey of the four aforementioned individuals in their quest to get to Washington D.C. With a few subtle hints, you can tell who the president “could be” referring to (we hear mention of him serving a third term) and I’m sure it’s no coincidence that the foursome has to stop in Charlottesville, VA.
“What kind of American are you?” is probably the most bone-chilling line in the entire film. This question was in response to a straightforward exclamation, “We’re American!” A run-in with an unnamed soldier, played by Jesse Plemons, gave us a look at the gruesome toll that division has taken upon the country. Akin to Confederate soldiers concealing their actions, these soldiers had made a mass grave that they clearly did not want to be discovered.
The sound and cinematography are absolutely phenomenal. Seeing this in IMAX is a must. You might see something horrific happen in slow motion but the music will carry you through, acting as a co-pilot to the imagery you’ll consume. Every camera click, shutter movement, and even down to one’s breath, will play a part in setting the tone for the film.
If you’re looking for non-stop action and things that go “boom” you might be disappointed. There’s an artistic touch that will get lost if you’re just thirsty for violence… but in case you are, the final 25 minutes of the film will quench your thirst.
Civil War gets an 8 out of 10. The movie was very well done and the approach was inventive. Did I like it? Meh… But do I think audiences will like it? Yes. And as I said before, it doesn’t give any story or hint as to how the country became so divided and how two opposite states (except in economy) like California and Texas would have an “ally” in Florida. Hints of the current state of the country pop in and out of the film like the comment about “real” America when Lee and her colleagues were asked where they were from. It’s disturbing because it feels like we “could” get there — we could get to that point of the extreme. Its R rating is appropriate for its vulgar language and blood-filled images.
Civil War will be in theaters April 12.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of A24