'Civil War' Is One of the Most Chilling Films So Far This Year
Civil War is a film that won't win everyone over. It will have some folks drawing its influence on current politics. Undoubtedly, it is based on current politics. In other ways, it's inspired by history. Either way, the film doesn't ask us to choose sides but rather survive. Yet I can't help but draw parallels to what happened during the January 6th riots. On the other hand, I could see it as a critique of Biden's handling of Israel. It's also a representation of the Civil War from 1861-1865. Most importantly, it's up to the audience to decide what this Civil War is inspired by.
The picture opens with a collage of scenes where protestors are fighting the police, followed by the President of the United States (Nick Offerman) giving an address telling the American people that everything is alright, as the U.S. is succeeding in this war. The President telling everyone that everything is okay when it's not is a reflection of Nixon with Vietnam, Bush Jr. with Iraq, and Trump with COVID, to name a few. Don't get me wrong. There are Democrats who lie, too.
What party the U.S. president in this film represents is left a mystery to the viewer. Despite his reassurance publically, the President is not safe. Whoever the militiamen hunting him are, they've been gaining the upper hand in this war that has left the United States a dystopian mess.
What sets Civil War apart from other political thrillers like Olympus Has Fallen, or White House Down is its chilling tone. This isn't a film for casual popcorn-eating at the theater; it's a stark reminder of the potential consequences of political unrest. British Writer/Director Alex Garland's subjective lens on the United States reveals a potential for societal collapse. Civil War is a gripping, unsettling experience that feels more like a high-budget indie film than a typical blockbuster, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers.
The movie follows the story of a war journalist. Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) is attempting to get into the White House so her friend Joel (Wagner Moura) can get an interview with the President. In normal times, an experienced journalist can get an interview with the President if they're prestigious enough to do so. But during this civil war, multiple extremist factions of the military make it close to impossible to do so. That doesn't stop Lee from trying.
Tagging along with her is Jessie (Cailee Spaeny). Tagging along may not be the appropriate word. She enlisted herself to be with Lee as she looks up to her like an idle. Despite Lee's warnings not to join her, Jessie adds herself to the group on a trip to the White House that could be her last.
Alex Garland's Civil War is like if you mixed the middle act of 28 Days Later with Children of Men. Although this isn't a zombie film, it's much scarier than one. Civil War's simplicity could be a target of criticism. Not knowing who's fighting for what or why can be an annoyance to the viewer. Yet that's the whole point of the film. The movie doesn't aim for a philosophical conversation past its mayhem. It reaches a grand point of, "We're closer to being here than you think."
Civil War is, by far, a disaster film. Except this time, we're not being entertained; we're being horrified. The violence depicted on the screen is savage, stomach-turning material. The deaths in this film feel as real as the characters do. Our main cast aren't heroes. They represent a morally complicated area that is combat journalism. Are they being distasteful by snapping a photo of someone dying instead of offering a helping hand? Possibly so. Alex Garland is telling a simple story that thrives in its simplicity. It doesn't tie itself with politics but rather constant carnage. The film is a gray area where knowing less is more. It doesn't matter if the President is a Democrat or a Republican. It matters more that Americans don't get along hence repeating history like it's 1861 again.
Civil War isn't shot like a documentary but still feels almost like one. There's a tangibility in its realism that makes it incredibly lived in. The characters are also written very believably, and their actions, even when foolish, are convincing. The film is loud, gory, and exhilarating. It hardly takes a breath in the middle of its madness and is a daring project that will leave audiences split. Splitting audiences works in the film's favor as it's not afraid to be gutsy, aiming for the viewer's jugular. Some of the best films are the ones that open up a wider discussion instead of immediately satisfying the viewer.
Although not taking sides, there's a clear party leaning the film takes in a pivotal scene. After Jessie does something incredibly stupid by entering a stranger's car in the post-apocalypse, she gets stopped by a group of militiamen. The leader of the small sadistic platoon is played by Jesse Plemmons. He questions who is and is not American. If you're not American, let's just say bad things happen. Plemmons usually plays roles where he's a bad guy who acts like a good guy. There's a modesty in his candor that makes him feel like a decent man when he does immoral things. Look no further than his role as Todd Alquist in Breaking Bad as an example. In this role, Plemmons is far from polite, rendering one of the most tense scenes I have felt in years.
Plemmon's scene draws a clear allegory to the mistreatment of immigrants. By shooting who's not American, the film is clearly saying that the U.S.A. is a land of the free that can fall to fascism if not monitored delicately. Civil War paints a grim portrait of a nation fallen to chaos, that hits disturbingly close to home. It's one of the best films of 2024 so far and a film that respectfully challenges audiences.
