Summary
Alex Garland's Civil War tells a terrifyingly realistic story in a thrilling feature film
Alex Garlands fourth feature film, Civil War, is a departure from his usual style. Leaning towards realism, rather than fiction, this makes the film a tough watch at times.
Civil War follows a group of photo journalists travelling across a war torn America, racing to photograph the inevitable fall of Washington D.C. by southern rebel forces.
“What kind of American are you?”
Image credit: Hollywoodreporter.com
Clearly inspired by the January 6th riots, Civil War strives to educate its audience about the dangers of governmental control, as well as extremist doctrine.
The film balances a lot of different tones all at once. Jumping between unsettling, funny and thrilling all at once. Its a delicate tight rope but the film pulls it off perfectly.
In most war films, we follow the soldiers on the front lines or the governments controlling the war. However, breaking away from this tradition, we follow a group of photo journalists.
This change is incredibly exciting as it allows the audience to experience both sides of the conflict, as the journalists are just there to record the truth.
For the most part, Lee (Kirsten Dunst) doesn’t take a stand in the conflict but when she meets Jessie (Caliee Spaeny), a young woman trying to be just like her, her views begin to change.
Both characters act as mirrors to one another, and become like one another, leading to an unforgettable conclusion for both of them.
Dunst and Spaeny put on unforgettable performances, truly capturing what war does to an ordinary person’s mind. However, there are many other stand outs such as Jesse Plemons who’s only in one scene. Despite this, he is still able to give a performance that will have you terrified.
The film is structured like any other road trip film you’ve seen. Something happens, back in the car, something else happens, repeat a few more times.
It’s a structure I find quite tedious, but Civil War is able to make it work with its uncomfortable moments and almost familial bond built between its primary cast.
“Don’t let them kill me”
Image credit: Screenrant.com
As tension starts to rise internally after a nasty encounter involving pink sunglasses, the group start to re-evaluate who they are and why they are on this journey.
The three central characters; Lee, Jesse and Joel all deal with the war in different ways and as things get worse, they start to crack.
One of the best parts of the film is the development of Jesse’s character, being the audience stand in, we start to feel like her by the time D.C. is stormed.
The action is another highlight of the film. Every fight is shocking and hard to watch, really adding to the tension of the film.
By spacing out the action, the film is able to make every encounter chilling and realistic. Guns are ear piercing and bombs completely blow the speakers.
The cinematography is jaw-dropping. Utilizing different lenses to heighten tension, such as a polarized lens during parts of the third act. There are also some shots that will be burned into your mind well after the film finishes,
A lot of the horror is shown through photos taken by Lee and Jesse, showing many close up deaths and people traumatized. The differences between the two photographers extends to their photos. Lee shoots in colour, whereas Jesse shoots in black and white. This allows the audience to tell whose photo is whose; which becomes very important in the third act.
The audio often cuts out during tense moments, the only sound being the cameras shutter snapping. These moments are incredibly haunting and keep the audience on edge.
“God Bless America”
Image credit: Hollywoodreporter.com
Civil War acts as a cautionary tale to America as a whole. If tensions between the government and the south continue, the future of this film won’t be too far off.
There aren’t many films that genuinely shock me, but Civil War made me uncomfortable and terrified about the idea of being a war photographer!
If you get the chance, watch Civil War in the cinema. The entire experience is unforgettable and well worth a watch.
Featured image credit: Variety.com
Third year Film and journalism student
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