“What kind of American are you?”
It’s a controversial question that’s been plaguing our fractured nation over the last decade. And although writer and director, Alex Garland, manages to never pick a side, it is the very question supposedly driving his dystopian drama, “Civil War.”
The anxiety-riddled thriller follows a group of journalists in the not too distant future, as a second “Civil War” erupts across the country.
The more I reflect on “Civil War,” the more my feelings become conflicted.
Despite tackling a subject that is so politically charged, “Civil War” remains apolitical.
Yes, journalism should remain unbiased to let audience members decide for themselves. Since this film is told through a journalist’s lens, the message makes sense. Yet I can’t help but feel that the “both sides” treatment results in hollow storytelling, saying so much without really saying anything.
Rather than having a larger conversation addressing the turmoil of a nation, Garland takes a harsher criticism on the objectivity of journalism than anything else. It’s interesting but just not where I thought this film was going.
If anything, the film is a testament to Garland’s technical craftsmanship and artistry behind the camera. He creates a nightmarish landscape that is both stunning and unsettling. Each sequence is gripping, dripping with the dread of our future.
Speaking of stunning, “Civil War” features fascinating performances by Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny as well as my FAVORITE scene stealer, Jesse Plemons. Holy moly. Although Plemons is only in the film for about 15 minutes, he shines in without a doubt one of the most terrifying scenes I have seen this year.
Nevertheless this is one piece of cinema that will leave audiences divided.
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