Civil War

Alex Garland is a butts-in-seats director for me (and many others). His last film, Men, was a swing and a miss, but otherwise having Ex Machina, Annihilation, and the very good TV show Devs on your resume displays a director who is not only talented, but crafts films that stick. 

When the initial trailers for Civil War came out, I remembered my audience clearly being uncomfortable, but likely all thinking the same thing: "A war film by A24 and Alex Garland? I'm there." Truthfully, I was excited, but worried. I worried this could be a ridiculously political film in a year where we're going to get thrown head first, kicking and screaming, into the election cycle. I worried it would be A24's first attempt at a "blockbuster" with diminishing results. As the best directors do (and as A24 has done many times), my worries were for nothing. 

There are many versions of this film that could exist. And many of those versions lie blame at one political party or the next, basically neutralizing audience member's opinions into "Well, it was BS because it was against my side!" Wisely, Garland ignores politics all together. The President (Nick Offerman) doesn't resemble anyone closely, traditional Republican/Democrat parties aren't mentioned once, and even the alliances in the US paint a picture of a non-realistic scenario to take politics out of it. I mean...in what world would California and Texas join forces?!?

This decision was 100% the right one because the overall message of the film becomes even bleaker and more obvious: America, don't do this. Now...I'm a realist for the most part. I realize there is a long-ish road between what this film depicts and where we're at today. But a particularly striking image stuck with me in Civil War of two bodies hanging from a freeway overpass in Pennsylvania that said "Go Steelers!". It's a stark contrast of the Sunday-NFL-Travis-Kelce-Taylor-Swift-dating focus points of today and the world that extreme divide of our nation would create. And this isn't the only striking image. Garland is known for imagery that may be challenging, but sticks with you far past the theater. Civil War and its gorgeous, striking cinematography is no different. Garland's talent is at peak display here with far more moving pieces than he's used to, but capturing action and quieter moments with brilliant intensity. 

So if Civil War doesn't focus on the politics, what does it focus on? War photography. It's a riveting focal point and it also avoids politics by not making it "the media" or really even "journalists" but truly war photographers. Not only does it weave this element throughout in smart ways - some of the black and white stills are jarring - but it gives us a group to connect to that feels more human than a generic band of soldiers may have. Kirsten Dunst plays her role of desensitized pro photographer perfectly in what will likely be one of the stronger performances of the year. Rounding out our cast, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson (as the main group) are all unique, handling the War differently, and likeable characters. Spaeny's Jessie in particular becomes the focal point and there's an interesting character study on her becoming desensitized underneath the main crux of the film. 

Ridiculously intense moment

There's a lot I loved about Civil War and aside from a couple pacing issues, this is one of Garland's best. It's a powerful message done in a lot of smart ways and I think it will stick with audiences far after they leave the theater. It's certainly not the feel good film of 2024, and there's added intensity to watching it knowing we have to cast ballots in several months, but I think it's a worthwhile warning for any American voter. 

CONS

• Handful of pacing issues
• Could have used a tiny bit more explanation/background on how the U.S. got here

PROS

• Wisely avoids politics to instead iterate that war is war, and once we're there, casting your ballot will be the least of your worries
• Stunning cinematography with some haunting visuals
• Focus on a road trip of war photographers is engaging - fun at times - and makes for a compelling cast of characters
• Top notch performances across the board. Kirsten Dunst is the MVP
• Moments of breath-holding intensity and loud, well-orchestrated action sequences
• Music choices are bold and challenging
• Garland's direction has maybe never been better. Framing, editing, and more are top-notch

Rath's Review Score | 9/10