Alex Garland’s Civil War is nothing short of a horror movie. This dystopian drama portrays an America torn apart by military conflict, revealing the destructive nature of violence and the true horror it entails. With no hidden political agenda or moral lessons, it offers a pure reflection on the crises it depicts. With impressive scores and positive word of mouth, this movie is definitely a must-watch.
Why Alex Garland’s Civil War Isn’t for the Faint of Heart
Premiering at the SXSW film festival in March, Alex Garland’s Civil War presents the harsh realities of war and the impact it can have on people. It shows a country in chaos, with cities covered in smoke and bombs exploding at protests, while Texas and California’s forces move towards D.C. a frightening yet very plausible future that may keep many up at night.
Starring Kirsten Dunst, the A24 film paints journalists as practical heroes rather than sentimental figures. Initially touching on political themes, it swiftly made its audiences realize that it was here to do that and shifted the focus to the gritty reality of war journalism amidst the chaos. As Dunst herself admits to Time Magazine,
“It felt very disturbing,–Toward the end, it was all the noise and the gunfire, and then just looking at the news and seeing that there’s another school shooting.”
While Garland revealed,
“It’s really a film about why polarization is not a great thing, It’s trying to have a conversation. It’s trying to find common ground.”
Despite all the paths it could have taken hiding subtle messages against certain agendas, the movie maintains a detached stance, advocating against war without directly aligning with contemporary political narratives. It relies on the audience to form their own assumptions about American politics rather than nudging them toward a conclusion.
What Are the Critics Saying About Alex Garland’s Civil War?
The critics’ reviews are now in, and the consensus among them is unanimous, the film is a must-watch. Having garnered widespread acclaim from those who have experienced it, Civil War stands out as a compelling cinematic experience that captivates audiences with its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes.
The film currently boasts a 93% rating on the Tomatometer. Here’s what the critics have to say,
No Captain America or Iron Man cameo everyone! 🤣
On a real note though, there is so much disturbing imagery in this movie. The visuals and sound effects really had a hold over our audience. So many scenes where you could hear a pin drop in the theater. Definitely see this one! https://t.co/x5yp0tBNJj
— BLURAYANGEL 🦇 (@blurayangel) April 9, 2024
The best part of #CivilWar is the inspired sound design. The movie pairs some of the most intense moments with a soundtrack of utter silence, pinpointing the terror of the moment. A technical triumph. Dunst is tremendous. pic.twitter.com/k2ClECXcB8
— Lindsey Dunn 🜃 (@1ofmystories) April 9, 2024
As per IGN,
“Civil War is a heart-pounding war road-trip movie with a fascinating premise and a poignant story about the importance of journalism.”
Whereas, Variety stated,
“Alex Garland’s virtuosic “Civil War,” a jarring ground-level account of what a near-future disunification of the United States might look like.”
The Guardian described the film’s horror as,
“Garland’s rendering of the war-torn suburban US is a fascinating mix of beautiful and horrifying – a shellshocked JC Penney’s, bodies hanging from a highway overpass, an abandoned Christmas festival in the summer. Perversions of Americans’ sense of stability, lush and dexterously deployed.”
The cast and crew have done a fabulous job under the direction of Alex Garland. This film features stellar performances from Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Nick Offerman. Their collective effort brings depth and authenticity to the story, making it a truly remarkable cinematic experience.
The film releases on 12 April.
