When it comes to dystopian films, few hit as close to home as Civil War, Alex Garland's latest venture. Known for his mind-bending work in films like Ex Machina and Annihilation, Garland once again dives deep into the chaos of human nature, but this time with a political twist. Released in 2024 by A24, Civil War paints a chilling picture of a future America torn apart by secessionist movements and a crumbling federal government. With a stellar cast led by Kirsten Dunst and Wagner Moura, the film takes viewers on a tense journey through war-torn America, leaving them both unsettled and fascinated.

A Plot That Feels Eerily Familiar

Set in the near future, Civil War portrays a divided United States, where an authoritarian government under a third-term president is battling secessionist forces. The film follows a group of war journalists — veteran photojournalist Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), her colleague Joel (Wagner Moura), and their mentor Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) — as they travel from New York to Washington, D.C. to interview the president before rebels take the capital. Along the way, they're joined by an aspiring photographer, Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), whose innocence and raw talent add an intriguing dynamic to the seasoned team.

As the group makes their way through war-torn cities and desolate landscapes, the reality of the conflict becomes brutally clear. One particularly haunting scene takes place at a gas station where Jessie stumbles upon men torturing looters. This moment serves as a microcosm of the lawlessness that has engulfed the country — and as a stark reminder of how desensitized people have become to violence. It's not long before Jessie herself becomes more comfortable documenting the bloodshed, capturing photos of executions and battles with a growing detachment that mirrors the audience’s own discomfort.

The climax of the film takes place in a battered Washington, D.C., where the Western Forces, a coalition of rebel states, storm the White House. As the chaos unfolds, Garland doesn’t hold back in depicting the brutality of warfare — not just between combatants but also within the minds of the journalists capturing it all. When Jessie steps into the line of fire, photographing Lee’s tragic death, it cements the film’s bleak message: In the end, the lines between observer and participant blur, and even those meant to document history become a part of its bloody tapestry.

Stellar Performances in a Gritty Landscape

The film’s cast delivers powerhouse performances, with Kirsten Dunst leading the charge. As Lee Smith, a war-hardened photographer, Dunst brings a depth to the character that makes her both relatable and heartbreaking. Lee's internal struggle — balancing her duty as a photojournalist with the emotional toll of witnessing death and destruction — is one of the film’s core themes. Dunst’s portrayal of this struggle feels raw and real, particularly in the scenes where she mentors Jessie, passing on her wisdom while grappling with her own disillusionment.

Wagner Moura’s Joel provides a perfect counterbalance to Lee’s stoicism. Moura brings a weariness to the character, someone who’s clearly seen too much and is teetering on the edge of burnout. Cailee Spaeny’s Jessie, meanwhile, represents the next generation of war reporters — ambitious, eager, and ultimately desensitized. Her transformation throughout the film, from a scared newbie to a hardened photographer, is both fascinating and deeply disturbing.

A Visual and Emotional Gut Punch

Visually, Civil War is as stunning as it is unsettling. Cinematographer Rob Hardy teams up with Garland once again to create a film that feels grounded in reality while still carrying the surreal, dreamlike quality that has become a hallmark of Garland’s work. The decision to film the Washington, D.C. scenes in Georgia adds a layer of eerie dissonance, as the familiar streets of the U.S. capital are transformed into a war zone.

Garland’s use of handheld cameras during battle scenes heightens the tension, making viewers feel like they’re right there with the characters, ducking bullets and witnessing the carnage firsthand. It’s a disorienting and claustrophobic experience, one that mirrors the chaos unfolding on screen.

A Political Allegory for Modern Times

What makes Civil War particularly compelling is how closely it parallels current political tensions in the United States. Garland has been open about the film serving as an allegory for today’s deeply polarized political climate, and it’s hard to watch the movie without drawing connections to real-world events. The film doesn't pick sides; instead, it presents a grim vision of what could happen when division and extremism go unchecked.

Critics have praised Garland for tackling such heavy subject matter in a way that feels both timely and timeless. While some have noted that the film’s focus on violence over deeper political exploration may leave viewers wanting more, there’s no denying that Civil War is a powerful reflection of the fears and uncertainties many people feel today.

Civil War is not just a dystopian thriller — it’s a wake-up call. With its gut-wrenching performances, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking narrative, Alex Garland’s latest film is one that lingers long after the credits roll. It forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the state of the world and the role of the media in documenting it.