Review by isnanfitri

Alex Garland's "Civil War" is not merely a dystopian thriller but a profound and unsettling examination of humanity under the direst of circumstances. This 2024 film, written and directed by Garland, follows a team of war journalists journeying from New York City to Washington, D. C. during a fictional civil war in the United States. Their mission to interview the President before rebels capture the capital city serves as the spine of a narrative rich in tragedy, human frailty, and resilience.

At its core, "Civil War" is a road movie. Each stop along the journalists' perilous journey reveals a new layer of tragedy and human suffering, painting a vivid picture of a nation torn apart. The characters confront the raw edges of humanity, embodying the duality of being both "scared and alive at the same time," as poignantly expressed by one character. This line encapsulates the essence of Garland's film: the simultaneous terror and vitality that war evokes.

Among the ensemble cast, two performances stand out, bringing depth and authenticity to the film's philosophical musings. Jessie, portrayed by Cailee Spaeny, evolves from a rookie photographer into a courageous figure hardened by the unfolding tragedies. Her character arc is a journey of maturation, where innocence is stripped away to reveal a core of bravery and determination. Spaeny's portrayal is nuanced, capturing the transformation with subtlety and power.

Kirsten Dunst delivers a stellar performance as a jaded war photographer. Her character, cloaked in a hard facade, embodies the scars of past conflicts. Dunst's portrayal is both compelling and heartbreaking, offering a stark contrast to Spaeny's Jessie. The interplay between these two characters underscores the diverse ways individuals cope with the horrors of war, highlighting the complex tapestry of human responses to trauma.

The film's imagery speaks volumes about the hypothetical scenarios of war. Garland uses his visual storytelling to pose a poignant "what-if" scenario, compelling the audience to consider the possibility of such devastation on American soil. This speculative lens is a powerful reminder of the fragile veneer of peace and order that can easily be shattered, mirroring the real-world conflicts that have ravaged other nations.

In "Civil War," there are no victors, only survivors grappling with the aftermath. Garland's narrative reinforces the notion that war yields no winners, a theme underscored by the film's unflinching portrayal of violence. The gore is not gratuitous; rather, it serves as a solid and necessary component of the story, grounding the film in the brutal realities of conflict.

The performances across the cast are uniformly solid, each actor bringing a level of gravitas that enhances the film's philosophical depth. Their collective efforts create a tapestry of stories that reflect the broader societal collapse and individual struggles within it.

"Civil War" is a significant cinematic achievement that challenges viewers to reflect on the precariousness of peace and the inherent brutality of war. Through its compelling performances, powerful imagery, and philosophical depth, Alex Garland has crafted a film that resonates deeply with contemporary anxieties, offering a sobering look at what might be if the societal fabric were to unravel. This film is a testament to the enduring complexity and resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.