⭑⭑⭑⭑/⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑
The trailer for Alex Garland's Civil War hooked me for two reasons. First, it bears the A24 logo. Second, the premise of a Second American Civil War felt eerily relevant in today's global climate. While the film explores the hypothetical what-ifs of such a conflict, it goes beyond American borders. The ongoing genocide in Gaza and the concerning activities of China in the West Philippine Sea underline the film's potential to resonate universally.
Given the current political climate, a film that challenged voters who support politicians who profit from wars fueled by hate, injustice, and inequality would have been particularly compelling. I expected Civil War to take a strong stance on this issue. It did not.
Civil War is a dystopian road trip film set in a fractured America ravaged by the Second Civil War. The story follows a team of journalists as they traverse the country's treacherous landscapes to document the hostile realities of this polarized society.
The film's screenplay demonstrates remarkable restraint by avoiding overt political bias. It's not interested in dictating your stance on the conflict. This is evident in scenes like the one where two camouflaged men in unmarked combat gear engage snipers in a farmhouse. When Joel (Wagner Moura), a journalist from Florida, questions their allegiance, their response is stark: "Someone's trying to kill us. We are trying to kill them." Their political motivations remain shrouded, and the film focuses solely on their desperate struggle for survival in a nation that’s tearing itself apart.
If I had to pick a scene in Civil War that powerfully critiques certain ideologies, it would be the one with Jesse Plemons as a militia leader. Here, Plemons’ character embodies the dangers of societal breakdown, executing civilians based on a warped sense of national identity. The character's dismissive attitude towards the journalists and his chilling question, "What kind of American are you?" highlight the consequences of conservative ideologies taken to an extreme. Rife with racial tension and violence, the subsequent brutal execution of a companion who reveals he is from Hong Kong further emphasizes a message: unchecked nationalism leads to a deadly obsession with purity.
However, this scene doesn't exist in isolation. Civil War maintains a deliberate neutrality throughout its narrative. In fact, the film primarily functions as a meditation on journalism. It explores the complex realities of war reporting, where journalists often grapple with ethical dilemmas in the pursuit of a story. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the immense influence journalism holds in shaping public perception and our understanding of the world.
There's a thought-provoking scene where Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), a renowned war photojournalist, imparts a key “lesson” to Jessie Cullen (Cailee Spaeny), an aspiring young photographer. Lee's declaration, "We don't ask [questions]. We record so other people ask," encapsulates the film's approach. Civil War doesn't take a definitive stand; it's designed to force us to confront the harrowing consequences of a nation at odds. This neutrality by the filmmakers is surprisingly effective. The film left me with more questions than answers. It prompted personal reflection rather than preaching to the choir with a pre-determined message aligned with my progressive views.
These very questions are what makes the film so powerful. Lee's approach raises the debate about the role of journalists in conflict: should they be objective observers, or should they actively seek answers and challenge the status quo? The film's portrayal of a broken society might lead us to ponder the root causes of this division — is it political ideology, economic disparity, or something deeper? It could also prompt reflection on how individual actions contribute to a divided society, as well as the role of larger systems in perpetuating these issues.
Ultimately, the film might leave us wondering if, despite the division, there are ways to find common ground and work toward a more unified society. The beauty lies in the fact that these are just a few examples, and the specific questions the film raises will likely vary depending on your own experiences and perspectives.
Some believe silence in the face of injustice allows negativity to flourish. However, Civil War takes a different approach. By remaining neutral and focusing on objective reporting, the film avoids giving ammunition to those who thrive on societal discord. It's a powerful statement — refusing to be drawn into the echo chambers and instead presenting a clear picture, even if it's uncomfortable. The film's use of silence in some violent scenes serves as a similar metaphor. The absence of a soundtrack becomes a deafening indictment of brutality, which forces viewers to confront the raw horror of war without the distraction of emotional manipulation.
Photo credit: A24