Alex Garland's 'Civil War': A Harrowing Dive into America's Dystopian Abyss.

A24

Director: Alex Garland
Rating: 9/10

The renowned filmmaker, Alex Garland, showcasing his signature style of thought-provoking and unsettling films is back as director with "Civil War." The film presents a disturbing vision of an America ravaged by internal conflicts. Set against an imagined dystopian society, Garland’s narrative throws the spectator into the heart of a country on the verge, we follow military journalists on their dangerous path towards Washington D.C., where they aim to document the unrest brewing in rebel-faction territories before it's too late for democracy's symbolic heart- the White House.

Throughout its two-hour duration, "Civil War" never lets up as it maintains constant tension throughout. In typical fashion, Alex Garland creates an intellectually stimulating narrative that doesn't compromise visceral impact. The audience experiences every moment alongside these courageous photojournalists determined to capture firsthand events happening within the battleground transformation of American landscapes - imparting raw truths without embellishments about this nation starkly divided against itself. As a result, photojournalism is the ideal medium for this tale; dirty and with no effort to whitewash what is happening in a country at war with itself.

Garland's body of work often evokes a disquieting sense of reflection in viewers, and "Civil War" is no exception. The film boasts formidable craftsmanship, demonstrated through its methodical writing and conscientiously formulated story arc. Yet this same level of excellence renders the movie profoundly unnerving. The atrocities conveyed on screen are enacted with such realism that they carry an unmistakable weight of truth; watching it again feels nearly as daunting as confronting the harrowing subject matter itself. A centerpiece within the narrative is Kristen Dunst's portrayal of a photojournalist - her performance strikes one particularly as brilliant storytelling. In contrast to protagonists who typically follow strong ethical guidelines or embody heroic ideals, Dunst’s character remains steadfastly objective throughout: documenting occurrences without ideological bias or personal affections at play. This detachment allows the audience to engage with the film’s portrayal of war as a series of moments and images, rather than through a more traditional, and perhaps less challenging, character-driven storyline.

Dunst's exceptional performance showcases her adaptability and dedication to her art. Her character exhibits tough stoicism, developed as a coping mechanism after witnessing countless war atrocities. This emotional armor serves as both protection and a storytelling tool, providing insight into the psyche of someone exposed to unspeakable horrors. The photos she captures convey universal themes of tragedy and despair that linger with viewers long after the movie ends. One of the best moments of her character is when she finally shows us her vulnerability when she breaks down during the most intense war. Moments like these allow audiences to understand that despite her strong and stoic facade, once that barrier is down, there is nothing you can do but be vulnerable.

Spaeny offers an equally impactful portrayal, bringing raw emotionality that complements Dunst's intensity while adding another layer of heartrending depth to the film overall. Their combined efforts drive forward this narrative by exploring elements of humanity amidst utter desolation - offering hope in even the darkest moments. Garland courageously portrays violent scenes to emphasize the cruel world of the film. The pivotal role played by Jesse Plemons is highlighted in one of its most horrendous and unforgettable sequences, exhibiting an uncompromising depiction of horror and bloodshed that reinforces the movie's dedication to portraying conflicts realistically.

A24

One of the horrors that the movie presents is when they reach a community that seems to live a normal life. When they were asked why they seemed to be not caring about what's going on outside their communities, their response utters horror as a viewer. This demonstrates that during times of war, being neutral is not a viable option as it can inadvertently aid those who commit harmful acts or perpetuate injustice. Despite its strengths, the film faces minor narrative difficulties. Specifically, one character undergoes a surprising and sudden change in their development that disrupts the established trajectory of their story. If you've watched the movie, you'll know who this character is. This unexpected shift may seem out of place to some viewers who have become emotionally invested in this character's journey. Additionally, it's understandable that some audiences may find this movie to be apolitical due to a lack of insights and judgment from the characters we follow.

Moreover, Garland's movie not only presents a stimulating experience for the viewers but also urges them to confront intricate issues such as ethical concerns regarding war photography, unbiased journalism in areas of conflict, and mental disturbance due to witnessing human suffering. The film's austere visuals coupled with the protagonist silently portraying the harsh reality of warfare allow room for contemplating on observer's responsibilities during critical times. Such moral predicaments are by no means easily resolved, requiring an unsettling degree of involvement that may perturb some audiences.

"Civil War" continues Garland's examination of the darker facets of human nature and the ramifications that come with societal collapse within the broader context of their body of work. It unflinchingly portrays how civilization can crumble into chaos, demonstrating its frailty without any apologies. Through the lens of the photojournalist, Garland captures not only the physical destruction wrought by war but also the emotional and psychological devastation that often goes unseen.

"Civil War" is an expertly crafted narrative that reinvents the war movie genre. Rather than glorifying battle and simplifying conflicts to good versus evil, it presents a nuanced and unsettling depiction of warfare. This thought-provoking work secures Alex Garland's standing as a filmmaker unafraid to tackle uncomfortable truths about our society today. However, this film may not appeal to all viewers who prefer conventional heroes or redeeming story arcs; instead, the movie offers an uncompromising exploration of human nature that challenges and disturbs its audience while also leaving them deeply affected by its message long after viewing it.