Civil War 2024 Movie Review

America is in turmoil in Alex Garland’s latest film, “Civil War.” The once-united nation has fractured, with secessionist forces relentlessly battering a crumbling federal authority. A jittery president rehearses a fabricated speech before appearing on television, interspersed with glimpses of the outside world: repression, chaos, and bloodshed reminiscent of the unsettling news footage from Garland’s earlier work, “28 Days Later.”

However, what sets “Civil War” apart is its refusal to pinpoint the exact cause of the societal breakdown. Unlike the viral outbreak that triggered mass upheaval in Boyle’s film, here, the source of conflict remains ambiguous—a deliberate choice by Garland, known for his enigmatic sci-fi creations like “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation.” This deliberate ambiguity challenges viewers to navigate the chaos alongside the characters.

While not strictly science fiction, “Civil War” fits within the dystopian genre, depicting a near-future America engulfed in violent upheaval. Smoke billows from once-vibrant cities, bombs detonate at protest sites, and a coalition of unlikely allies—Texas and California—threatens the nation’s capital. At the center of this maelstrom is a fascist president (played by a clean-shaven Nick Offerman), clinging to power through draconian measures and martial law.

The film follows a team of journalists, led by the seasoned Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and her colleague Joel (Wagner Moura), as they navigate the chaos from New York to D.C. Along the way, they encounter danger at every turn, capturing the grim reality of conflict journalism. As tensions escalate, they confront the unsettling presence of Plemons’ character, a haunting embodiment of societal decay.

Despite Garland’s noble intentions to spark dialogue about polarization, questions linger about the film’s deliberately vague politics. In an era of heightened division, Garland’s decision to avoid specific commentary on contemporary issues feels both bold and evasive. Some critics have questioned whether “Civil War” ultimately achieves its goal of fostering unity in a divided world.

As the film continues to garner attention on the festival circuit, its broader message about the dangers of polarization resonates. Yet, in its attempt to transcend partisan divides, “Civil War” risks feeling disconnected from the very real struggles facing contemporary America.