Alex Garland's Civil War: Exploring an Uncertain Bleak Future

Civil War is surreal in the most realistic sense. In other words, it's a common thought in people's minds today, of what the world would be like if a civil war in America did happen. Alex Garland's film brings America's collectively worst fear to life in his movie.

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Civil War Streaming on Max Now

This film paints a picture of what that world would look like from the front lines. This film stars Kristen Dunst, Caliee Spaeny, and even Nick Offerman as the undesirable president. "Lee" played by Dunst is a professional journalist specializing in taking pictures of war zones. Her character is noble and elite in her work, but just like many "unsung" heroes, she doesn't see herself as someone who deserves recognition. Spaney's character Jessie is a new and upcoming journalist who idolizes Lee and puts herself on the hero's journey. The lessons she learns along the way transform this journalist from just being some "fangirl" to a professional.

Civil War's Meaning

The title Civil War is no joke when it comes to Garland's film he wrote and directed. The scenes of the dystopian world where everyone has turned against each other leave a feeling of fear around viewers. The chaos that swarms each character does little to ease the audience's minds. Leaving a foreboding feeling throughout the entire movie.

His film has viwers on the edge of your seat the entire way through from bombing civilians to rogue soldiers who have taken the law into their own hands. Instead of just being a civilian Garland takes you to the frontlines, but not as a soldier instead as a part of the crew.

Part of the Crew

The team of journalists gets closer and closer to the White House as the war around them rages on. They must get there before the army itself attacks the White House ruled by a very problematic president. Photographs of the "take-over" are crucial to the success of these journalists' already distinguishable careers. Jessi does show that she has a unique eye for the images she captures. However, she also embodies all of the naivete and eagerness of people still immune to the harsh realities of what war means.

Lee is hesitant to take Jessi under her wing as a mentor. Even the well-spoken cautious words of an experienced journalist do little to stop the new journalist from coming on the road. Instead of instilling fear in Jessi, Lee's advice inspires her.

Final Thoughts

The movie isn't so much about what America would look like if there was a civil war, but more about a group of journalists and what their characters symbolize in American Society today. The ending is also a metaphor that symbolizes the death of a girl and the birth of a journalist.

The film is a cautionary tale to those who might think war could ever be a positive solution, and to those who already know it's not but venture down that path anyways. Either way, the characters you find yourself fighting for survival with will each offer an important lesson that even the most heroic of people are still only human.

Even if you missed seeing 'Civil War' in theaters you're going to want to stream it at home. There is a feeling of safety that is appreciated when watching this film from your own home. You can stream the action thriller on Max tonight!

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This article was written by Priscilla Burt.