Civil War ultimately succeeds in offering a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of conflict. From pulse-pounding action sequences to quiet moments of reflection, the film delivers a gripping portrayal of war that lingers long after the credits roll.
As always, spoilers ahead! A24’s latest film, Civil War, thrusts viewers into a near-future America gripped by civil strife between the federal government and various secessionist movements. Renowned war photographer Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) finds herself entangled in the conflict when she rescues aspiring photojournalist Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) from a suicide bombing in New York City. Their chance encounter sets off a harrowing journey through a war-torn landscape, where they confront the brutal realities of life in a society on the brink of collapse.
From the outset, Civil War captivates audiences with its stark portrayal of a nation in turmoil. The opening scene, featuring the President (Nick Offerman) preparing a speech amidst rising tensions, sets the stage for the chaos to come. Lee, initially ready to embark on the perilous journey to Washington D.C. with her colleague Joel, reluctantly agrees to be accompanied by Jessie and Sammy, as a group they plan to interview the President. However, tensions simmer within the group as Lee grapples with the responsibility of guiding an inexperienced journalist through the dangers of war.
As the group traverses through war-torn landscapes, the film masterfully captures the normalization of violence and trauma in a society at war. Through stunning cinematography and immersive world-building, viewers are transported into a world plagued by conflict and uncertainty. From capturing intimate moments of despair to navigating dangerous encounters with extremist groups, Lee and Jessie’s journey exposes them to the harsh realities of war journalism.
One of the film’s standout moments comes when Jessie, faced with the gruesome aftermath of a violent encounter, grapples with the moral complexities of her newfound profession. Meanwhile, Lee, haunted by her own past traumas, struggles to reconcile her duty as a journalist with her personal demons. The dynamic between the two women evolves as they confront their fears and vulnerabilities in the face of unimaginable horrors. As tensions escalate during their journey, Jessie and one of Joel’s friend fall into the clutches of an extremist who takes matters into his own hands. Jesse Plemons, portraying the extremist, confronts the group with a chilling question: “What kind of American are you?” Before they can react, he eliminates the two non-Americans in their midst and turns his gun on Joel and Lee. However, just as the situation reaches a boiling point, Sammy intervenes with a bold maneuver, using the team’s SUV to incapacitate the extremists and allowing them to escape.
Their brush with danger only serves to heighten the sense of urgency as the group races to the Western Front base, where a pivotal confrontation awaits. With the fate of the nation hanging in the balance, Lee and Jessie must summon all their courage to confront the looming threat of war on the Capitol. However, while Civil War excels in creating a sense of urgency and tension, its storytelling occasionally falls short in delivering a truly compelling narrative. Certain plot points, such as Jessie’s impulsive decision to join Joel’s friends on a risky escapade, feel contrived and detract from the film’s overall impact. Additionally, the film’s pacing at times feels uneven, with certain scenes dragging on longer than necessary.
Despite these shortcomings, Civil War ultimately succeeds in offering a visceral and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of conflict. From pulse-pounding action sequences to quiet moments of reflection, the film delivers a gripping portrayal of war that lingers long after the credits roll. I give Civil War a rating of 7/10, recommending it for its immersive world-building and thought-provoking themes.
