I am a big fan of director Alex Garland’s movies, such as Ex Machina and Annihilation. These moody, dynamic films contain tense situations, compelling characters, and often end with a satisfying twist. When I heard about Civil War, however, I was a bit apprehensive. I didn’t want a politically-divisive movie about politics in the United States or a commentary on the state of red versus blue. That’s why I held off on viewing it for so long. When I finally decided to watch the movie, I was pleasantly surprised. While the movie does portray a civil war in the United States, it took an unexpected direction.
A Road Trip into Darkness
While watching Civil War, I felt like I was watching the dark underside of a wholesome, American road trip. Although none of the characters are related, there is a grandfather figure, parent figures, and a young woman who fills the role of daughter. All four of them are journalists, and together, they make their way from New York City to Charlottesville in order to get the next story. What they uncover is a series of brutal scenarios in which ordinary people turn against one another in the most grisly ways. It’s never clear why these people are fighting or, at times, even who they’re fighting. The characters are simply acting out against whom they perceive as an enemy.
Movie Civil War: Echoes of Heart of Darkness
Another aspect of the movie Civil War is how it parallels the story Heart of Darkness. The characters set out in a posh hotel in NYC. Leaving safety and sanity behind, they drive deeper and deeper into the ‘jungle’, the back roads of America. Danger lurks everywhere. Even stopping to buy a few gallons of gas turns into a heart-stopping moment.
Capturing Brutality: The Journalists’ Journey
Throughout the trip, each journalist is determined to capture the best story. Kristen Dunst does an amazing job as an embittered photojournalist who shows no emotion as she photographs war and destruction. Wagner Moura’s character is determined to get a quote from the President of the United States, who is under attack by the separatists. These characters document all the brutality of the war while trying to stay behind the scenes, something that proves to be impossible.
A Bond Forged in Chaos
One of the best parts of the movie is the relationship between rookie reporter Cailee Spaeny and veteran Dunst. Initially, Dunst is angry that the youngster is tagging along, but as the movie progresses, the two begin to bond. I also like how the men look out for the rookie as well. It reminded me of the relationship between Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the show The Last of Us. I’ve heard it described as a ‘lone wolf and cub‘ trope. It’s endearing, despite the harsh conditions.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch
I highly recommend the movie Civil War. It’s more of a dystopian thriller than horror, but it offers a glimpse of the horrors of war and the cruelty humans are capable of.
Have you seen the movie Civil War? Let me know what you think in the comments.
