Civil War

Civil War is set in a United States from the future where Nick Offerman is President. That is dystopian in and of itself if you ask me, but the President is in fact a dictator who is struggling against rebels from a Western Force of Texas and California. Alex Garland chooses to take a somewhat apolitical stance. Instead of focusing on the politics, the film depicts the experiences of journalists Jessie(Cailee Spaeny), Lee(Kirsten Dunst), and Joel(Wagner Moura) as they try to capture the violence, grotesqueness, and ruthlessness of the Second Civil War from an objective perspective. The parallels between soldiers and rebels charging through the battlefield with their guns, and journalists scrambling to take photos with their Nikons is quite clear. The trauma, psychological toll, and harrowing experiences of the journalists are palpable through sweeping, jaw-dropping battle scenes.

While Civil War’s subject matter may be judged controversial by some, Garland shies away from taking a definitive stance and allows the viewers to make their own judgments. If that, or Nick Offerman as President,is not enough to draw you out , Civil War’s stunning visuals and a thumping sound design make it a perfect movie to watch at Warwick Student Cinema!

Hashir