“What’s the consequence of silence?”: Alex Garland Defends Civil War for Being Called ‘Irresponsible’ to Release it on Election Year

Alex Garland’s Civil War has already made its way to theatres worldwide on April 12, revolving around a team of journalists in an American society that has already fallen into distress. The movie brings out the horror and destruction one can be exposed to in a dire situation, as our protagonists attempt to interview the U.S. president.

Garland’s steadfast commitment to his project has sparked divergent reactions among viewers and critics alike. Since, the election is around the corner, scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2024, many are engaged whether the movie’s release at such a crucial time is appropriate or not. However, the director has thrown light on his perspective. 

Alex Garland Expressed His Opinion on Civil War Release Backlash

In a lengthy interview with Vulture, the 53-year-old filmmaker, Alex Garland talks about his film’s mixed reception, particularly the backlash he faced for releasing a project during a presidential election year. 

He shared, 

“The truest thing I’d say about that is I honestly don’t know whether it’s responsible or irresponsible because I would need to know too many things I don’t know in order to be able to answer that question.”

He continued, 

“But what I do think is that there’s a converse, a counter to that, which is ‘What’s the consequence of not saying things? What’s the consequence of silence? Of silencing oneself or silencing other people?’”

As the nation gears up for election year, A24’s political horror film depiction of the country’s conflict within itself has surely left many confused.

The movie showcases a dystopian future where the US is divided into four different regions, namely the Western Forces, the New People’s Army, the Florida Alliance, and the Loyalist States. Nick Offerman, who plays President seized a third term of his role with the Loyalist States supporting him is keen on defeating the seceded Western Forces, which consists of Texas and California.

One of the reasons why the movie is garnering polarized response is the fact that Texas and California had allied, which is what the director addressed elsewhere. 

Alex Garland Talks About Why Texas and California Became Allies

One other aspect of the critical response revolved around the alliance of Texas and California, which are known for their opposite values. Since many couldn’t wrap their heads around their possible union, he addressed the same during SXSW’s Civil War panel. 

He told a Screen Rant representative that their alliance was a response to an ultimate need because of oppression by the US government in the movie. 

“I personally think questions are answered. There’s a lot of things that are clearly answered. There is a fascist president who smashed the Constitution and attacked [American] citizens. And that is a very clear, answered statement.”

He added that his movie distinctly showcases the answers, leaving it to the audience to depict what they comprehended from the movie. 

“If you want to think about why Texas and California might be allied, and putting aside their political differences, the answer would be implicit in that. So I think answers are there but you have to step to it and not expect to be spoon fed these things. It makes assumptions about the audience.”

The movie has overall received a positive response thanks to the spectacular job by the cast and crew. The stellar cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Jesse Plemons, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Nick Offerman. 

Having grossed over $28 million worldwide via the Numbers, Civil War is running in theatres now.