Bryan Jones
Staff Writer
Alex Garland’s “Civil War” is a thought-provoking trek through a fictional civil conflict in the United States. “Civil War” explores the difficulties surrounding journalism, mentorship and the stark realities of covering modern warfare.
Kirsten Dunst plays a highly regarded war photographer Lee Smith, and the film revolves around her experiences covering the brutal realities of war. The A24 Film’s movie is set in the midst of the war’s occurrence, with an authoritarian government clashing with the combined forces of Texas and California, also dubbed simply as the Western Forces.
The film begins with a focus on Lee Smith’s encounter with a rookie photojournalist Jessie Cullen, played by Cailee Spaeny. Their meeting occurs in the wake of a suicide bombing in Brooklyn, quickly exposing the harsh realities of a civil war. Determined to document the conflict at its core, Lee aims to travel to Washington, D.C., along with her colleague Joel, played by Wagner Moura and mentor Sammy, played by Stephen McKinley Henderson. Not wanting to be left behind, Jessie forces her way into the group, where Lee warns her of the jarring reality she would be venturing into.
One of the many strengths of this film lies in the ways that the characters are portrayed and developed over the course of their harrowing journey. The exploration of a journalistic apprenticeship during a civil war creates an interesting dynamic between the pair, that takes viewers on an emotional ride. Kirsten Dunst shows off her range by playing a war photographer that is both experienced, but emotionally damaged by what she’s seen over the course of her career. In her mentorship of Jessie, viewers are treated to the sight of an individual that acts with professionalism but is slowly beginning to crack from the sheer emotional strain of it all. At the same time, Jessie evolves over the course of the journey, transforming from a timid onlooker to an active documenter determined to capture the perfect shot.
A unique aspect of the film is that several moments that occur in “Civil War” are captured in actual wartime footage shots, that show A24 Films’ typical appreciation for the arts. However, the artistry of those type of shots serves to enhance the overall feeling of realism in Garland’s film. The movie is filled with moments that illustrate the fear and thoughts of civilians in a war-torn country. Scenes are extremely tense, with actor Jesse Plemons delivering a truly frightening performance as a commanding officer overseeing a mass grave. The scene is truly uncomfortable and poignant, especially when Plemons begins questioning the journalists, openly displaying a proudly xenophobic attitude while doing so.
“Civil War” leaves a stark impression with its haunting imagery, dynamic use of sound and grim themes. In its exploration of such a conflict exploring the United States, it remains true to A24 Films’ core vision of using conflict to express art. With captivating performances, a thrilling narrative, and stunning visuals “Civil War” is a beautifully shot film that resonates long after viewing.
