In Alex Garland’s latest feature, “Civil War,” America finds itself in disarray. The once united nation has fractured, with secessionist forces battering a crumbling federal authority. A jittery president rehearses a fabricated speech before facing the public eye, offering only glimpses of the turmoil outside: repression, unrest, and bloodshed echoing the haunting imagery from Garland’s past work in “28 Days Later.”
Yet, amidst this chaos, the root cause of the societal collapse remains enigmatic. In Garland’s trademark style, the source of conflict, whether real or ideological, remains shrouded in mystery. It’s a deliberate choice, challenging audiences to decipher the puzzle of a fallen America.
Though not strictly science fiction like Garland’s previous works, “Civil War” ventures into the adjacent realm of dystopia. Set in a near-future landscape of violent upheaval, the film paints a bleak picture of tall smoke plumes punctuating city skylines and bombs detonating amidst protests. The unlikely alliance of Texas and California, dubbed the ‘Western Forces,’ marches towards D.C., while a fascist president (played by Nick Offerman) clings to power within the White House, having dismantled institutions and ordered attacks on his own citizens.
The narrative unfolds through the lens of a team of reporters navigating the conflict. Lee (portrayed by Kirsten Dunst), a seasoned photojournalist, and her colleague Joel (played by Wagner Moura) embark on a journey from New York to D.C. in pursuit of a crucial interview with the president. Joined by cub photographer Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) and veteran Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), they traverse a landscape of danger and devastation, each city harboring its own perils.
Throughout their odyssey, tension builds with every encounter, culminating in a chilling moment with Jesse Plemons’ character, marked by eerie symbolism. Dunst’s portrayal of Lee balances toughness with compassion, while Spaeny’s Jessie embodies both innocence and resilience in the face of adversity.
As the film premiered at festivals and garnered acclaim, questions arose regarding its political ambiguity. Garland’s decision to eschew direct topicality in favor of broader themes of polarization and the search for common ground has sparked debate. Some critics find the film’s stance on fascism too generalized, lacking specific engagement with contemporary issues.
Nevertheless, Garland’s endeavor to provoke dialogue amidst a landscape of uncertainty remains commendable. While “Civil War” may roam far and wide in its exploration, its ultimate stance on domestic matters may leave audiences divided.
