Wonder Watchlist

This last weekend Alex Garland’s newest film, Civil War, released, and much like any Garland film the reception has been polarizing. At the box office the film has given A24 their biggest box office opening ever at $25.7 million, as well as the biggest r rated opening of the year. Civil War tells the story of a country in unrest, and journalists proving that their camera is a weapon. The response to Garlands newest film has many people claiming he didn’t go hard enough to outline who is right or wrong. But regardless of who is to blame, the true story being told here lies within the lenses of journalists.

Civil War stars Kristen Dunst (Lee Smith), Wagner Moura (Joel), Cailee Spaeney (Jesse), Stephen Mckinley (Sammy) with apperances by Jesse Plemons, and Nick Offerman (President). The film throws audiences into a country that is in turmoil with itself, with states joining together into rebel factions across the country creating a second Civil War. Civil War highlights the efforts journalists go to in order to share with the world the horrors of war. Smith and Joel are well experienced in documenting wars throughout their careers and meet newcomer Jesse, and an old colleague Sammy. Reluctantly to Smith they all begin their journey into the heart of the conflict, hoping to get a chance at a once in a lifetime interview and photo. Their journey is harrowing, showing the audiences familiar places and names to set the grim idea of this happening in their backyards.

Garland avoids painting either the Government or the rebel factions as wholly good or bad, instead making the audience determine this as they sit with the disturbing imagery on screen. Many times when Lee and her group encounter others along their journey we never learn who they are fighting for, or fighting against. Civil War lets the audience see the film through the experiences of these journalists as they listen to the President give a speech during his third term in office. Joel chatting with a retail worker who claims their small town life doesn’t partake in the conflict, as gun-mans decorate the tops of buildings. Or when they find themselves face to face with a Plemons unnamed character who relishes in the violence of war. And all throughout this Lee, and Jesse are snapping photos of those dying, and the surrounding destruction.

If there were ever a film to showcase the importance IMAX viewings it would be Civil War. It is a warning to the audience of what a modern Civil War in America would be. Beloved American architecture demolished in seconds, idealic country side towns with dead bodies scattered along the roads projected onto a giant screen make it impossible to look away. The sound is jarring, whether the distant sounds of machine guns fill the night air, or the blasts of rocket launchers headed towards federal buildings. One of the most haunting moments is a scene where Joel is silently screaming as militant vehicles and personel move behind him as he doubles over, the audience only hears the sounds of movement. For those in the real world that ignore these conflicts occurring in other countries, it shows them how devastating a war in your backyard is.

Dunst and Moura give stunning performances as haggard by war journalist who find themselves covering yet another war. What I enjoyed the most out of their performances is the different ways they showed how numb they have had become. Smith recalls some of her earlier years and how she felt that what she was doing would make a difference, the photos she would take would be a warning. Joel chooses to heavily indulge in substances as an offset of reality going on around him, but seems to almost enjoy the rush going into conflict gives him. Spaeny truly sells the ambitious young bright eyed photographer well, and though some of her choices throughout the film made me upset it, it fit the journey her character went on. At no point is it obvious what side they are on, if any, and it makes the audience wonder where morals grey in journalism.

When thinking of issues I had with the film it really comes down to its message, I appreciate that there’s many different ways to look at this film. And I am glad that it was ambiguous to an extent on who was good or bad. Unfortunately, I truly feel that the audience this film is meant for, those who turn a blind eye and refuse to take a stance on the issues around them, are not interested in seeing a film like this. Outside of this I wanted it to explore the ethics of journalism a bit more from Joels perspective as he isn’t a photojournalist. How words can be twisted, and manipulated in the press and media. With the focus being mostly on photo journalism there was a missed opportunity to make the film even more relevant.

Overall Civil War is an incredibly impressive film both in its performances, message, and visuals. It’s deeply unsettling, especially when viewed in an IMAX format. Dunst shares a complex performance about the impact photojournalism has, especially during a long successful career. The film although in an alternate future, should serve as a warning of what could happen with political unrest. Civil War is filled with many pieces of imagery that haven’t left my mind even several days removed from my viewing.