Civil War is a tense and immersive look at the world of wartime journalism, set against the backdrop of a fractured America. Directed by Alex Garland, the film follows a team of journalists risking their lives to document a country in chaos. While the title suggests a politically charged narrative, the film instead focuses on the role of the press during extreme conflict, delivering moments of raw intensity, powerful performances, and unflinching realism. However, its reluctance to engage with its own political implications leaves it feeling incomplete.

Civil War Trailer:

The Good:

The performances are easily one of the film’s biggest strengths. Kirsten Dunst delivers one of her best roles in years, portraying a hardened wartime journalist with a gripping intensity. Her performance carries much of the film, with several standout scenes that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Wagner Moura brings a charismatic presence, adding layers of complexity to his character. However, the real scene-stealer is Jesse Plemons—his brief but chilling appearance creates one of the film’s most unforgettable moments, proving once again why he is one of the most compelling actors working today.

Beyond the acting, the film’s themes hit hard. The depiction of wartime journalism feels authentic and immersive, giving audiences a front-row seat to the chaos, danger, and ethical dilemmas faced by those covering conflicts. The action sequences and war imagery are unfiltered and at times disturbing, making the film feel uncomfortably real. The film doesn’t shy away from the brutality of war, and in that regard, it succeeds in creating a world that feels fully realized.

The Bad:

While Civil War nails its central themes, it struggles with balance. The film becomes so focused on emphasizing the dangers and responsibilities of wartime journalism that it sacrifices narrative logic to drive that point home. Characters begin making choices that feel less like organic decisions and more like forced setups for the film’s larger message. By the final act, it’s clear that the theme is dictating the story, rather than the other way around.

Another major issue is the film’s relationship with politics—or lack thereof. For a film titled Civil War, the movie is strangely uninterested in explaining how the U.S. reached this point. It raises countless questions about the state of the country, the factions involved, and the motivations behind the war, but it refuses to answer them. The movie wants to be apolitical while existing in an overtly political setting, which leads to a frustrating disconnect.

The Verdict:

Civil War is a technically impressive and well-acted film that delivers intense war sequences and a gripping portrayal of wartime journalism. However, its refusal to engage with its own political setup leaves it feeling thematically hollow from a movie-goer’s perspective. While the performances—especially from Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons—elevate the film, the lack of narrative depth and unsatisfying resolution makes it hard to fully invest in.

The marketing also does the film no favors. It heavily leaned into the idea of exploring a divided America, but the film ultimately sidesteps any real discussion about it. Instead, it tells audiences: “Don’t think about the politics, just focus on the journalists.” That might work for some viewers, but for others, it creates a lingering feeling of dissatisfaction.

The trailers set up grand expectations about the film’s political landscape, but the movie itself dodges these questions entirely. If you go in expecting answers, you won’t find them. Instead, it’s best to view Civil War as a fictional war in an alternate reality, rather than a reflection of current political tensions.

For those looking for a visceral, immersive war film, Civil War delivers. But for those hoping for a thought-provoking examination of a divided nation, this film isn’t interested in having that conversation. It’s an ambitious film that hits hard in the moment, but ultimately, it’s not one that lingers.

Director: Alex Garland
Writer: Alex Garland
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Jesse Plemons, Nick Offerman, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno.
Civil War is currently in theaters. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!