Civil War
Directed by Alex GarlandAn adrenaline-fueled thrill ride through a near-future fractured America balanced on the razor's edge. A group of journalists must race through battlefields to the White House before DC falls. Featuring Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson and Nick Offerman.
Cast of Civil War
Civil War Ratings & Reviews
- TanalienNovember 2, 2024Given the movie’s foreboding title, I predicted it would be a timely document about how present-day America fell into a downward spiral, with the story following the new factions growing out of the chaos. While Civil War depicts what happens when the rule of law cracks, writer-director Alex Garland forged this story with a much higher purpose in mind.
- brian.ho935d agoWhat a stupid aimless movie.
- TubzJuly 2, 2025What a load of xxxxxx, had more entertainment when Trump hurt his ear.
- ayayronApril 5, 2025One boomer, two millennials and a Gen Zer risking it all for the gram
- Kevin WardJuly 2, 2025In a war-torn America, a group of photo journalists attempt to trek from New York to DC to document the White House under siege. Seasoned war photographers Lee (Kirsten Dunst) and Joel (Wagner Moura) hope to make it the capital to photograph the president (Nick Offerman) before (or at least, as) insurgents get to him. Dunst is impeccable as the road-weary Lee. She imbues Lee with a dispassionate demeanor, persevering out of duty to record and document the truth, yet beset with a cynicism as to whether any of the images she captures make any kind difference. Joel, seems to be more of a thrill seeker, basking in the rush of getting up close to danger and driven by the notoriety of being the first to a scoop. They’re also joined by Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), an elder statesman in the photo journalism world, hitching a ride with them to the frontlines. And their last tagalong is Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), an aspiring (wannabe, perhaps) photographer who latches onto Lee for access and also in hope that she could learn from her idol. Jessie has a wide-eyed naïveté about her, throwing herself into literal crossfire without truly knowing what she’s getting herself into. Technically, Civil War is striking production. The sound design is top notch. Bullets and concussive explosions had people jumping in their seats as the sound blanketed the auditorium. Sometimes the immersive sound design completely cuts out to emphasize the visual image. The film is littered with eye-catching visuals. As they traverse the American landscape, writer/director Alex Garland puts us mostly in Jessie’s lens, occasionally freezing the cinematic frame to highlight a still image of the violence, bloodshed, and war crimes being committed. But Jessie’s shutter often turns towards Lee, capturing her and the other journalists in center frame. With this focus on the photo journalists, Garland maintains a much more neutral stance. The photographers are much more concerned with the power of the imagery as opposed to offering any commentary or context—and by extension, Garland is as well. That can be frustrating at times, when you want your protagonists take some kind of stance. But the conflict is all created specifically to not really align with any real life political leanings, as evidenced by the pairing of Texas and California as the Western forces. Ultimately, Civil War is a harrowing road trip film. The group faces some incredibly tense, obstacles en route to DC, most notably the run-in with Jesse Plemons that we caught of glimpse of in the trailer. The military action set pieces elevate the mostly character driven drama, anchored by the relationship between Lee and Jessie. Dunst and Spaeny are both magnificent. I know Spaeny’s star is already rising, but I really hope to see Dunst in more leading roles like this moving forward. Civil War is worthy of checking out on the big screen for its imagery, sound design and notable leading performances. It’s not quite as though provoking as I was expecting (or perhaps hoping), but I was still fully engaged with the characters and story from start to finish. I could see this rating going up on rewatch, I’m just not sure when I would want to rewatch it, at least anytime soon.
- brian6583April 7, 2025Kirsten Dunst follows various soldiers around while taking pictures for nearly 2 feckin hours.
- Patrick D.June 30, 2025This film was disappointing. The character motivations were shallow, the conflict of an American Civil War was merely a backdrop, and the film doesn't have any depth to it. All that said, it was entertaining. I kept wanting to see what happened next. The effects were well done, the set pieces were great, and I really enjoyed the movie from start to finish from a surface level. It's once you think deeper about it a little is where it falls off for me.
- nick wasslenJune 10, 2025Meh. Could be better
- movielover200May 13, 2025Civil War is one of the most intense and unforgettable movie experiences in recent years. It grabs you from the first scene and doesn’t let go. The way it handles war feels incredibly real—chaotic, emotional, and disturbing without being over-the-top. It shows the human side of conflict while still keeping the tension high throughout. The acting is phenomenal. Every performance feels grounded and raw, like the actors are actually living through it. These are powerhouse performances that carry the emotional weight of the film and make you feel every moment. One of the biggest standouts is the sound design. The movie is LOUD in the best way possible—gunfire, explosions, even silence—it all hits hard. You feel every shot, every moment of tension, and it makes the whole thing way more immersive. If you’re going to watch Civil War, see it in a theater. Seriously—find the biggest screen and best sound system you can. This is the kind of movie that deserves to be seen and heard properly. It’s intense, it’s gripping, and it sticks with you.
- Das_LamaJune 8, 2025This movie is awesome if you have Stage 4 TDS. Ie. It is spoon-fed leftist scary drivel disguised as a movie. I even tried to look past that, but was so bored watching annoying reporters wander around whining for two hours. Terrible movie. Do better, Hollywood.
- jackmeatMarch 2, 2025My quick rating - 7.0/10. This film grabs us by the shoulders and screams, "If it is a Civil War you want, I'll put it on a giant IMAX screen and dare you to cheer." In the near future, a group of war journalists will attempt to survive while reporting the truth as the United States stands on the brink of civil war. The flick offers a gripping and immersive journey across a dystopian America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel factions descend upon the White House. The movie is marked by great choreography and believable scenes that draw the audience into the chaos and urgency of the situation. The action sequences are well-executed, providing a visceral sense of the danger and unpredictability faced by the characters. The realistic depiction of combat and the stark portrayal of a nation in turmoil make for a compelling viewing experience. The acting is solid throughout, with Kirsten Dunst delivering a standout performance. Her portrayal of a determined and resilient journalist adds depth and believability to the narrative. The ensemble cast complements her well, each bringing their own strengths to their roles and contributing to the film’s overall impact. The story is both timely and thought-provoking, exploring themes of truth, survival, and the ethical complexities faced by those who document war. As the journalists navigate through hostile territories and encounter various factions, the film raises important questions about the role of media in conflict and the personal cost of pursuing the truth. I thought it succeeded in creating a believable and haunting vision of a fractured America. The dystopian setting is convincingly portrayed, and the tension is palpable as the team of journalists pushes forward despite the overwhelming odds. The film’s pacing keeps you interested, balancing intense action with moments of introspection and character development. In conclusion, the flick is a well-crafted and impactful film that combines excellent choreography, strong acting, and a compelling narrative. Dunst shines in her role, and Nick Offerman is great but not used very much. The movie effectively captures the perilous journey of war journalists in a near-future America. It’s a thought-provoking and entertaining watch that leaves a lasting impression. This film will be awarded, there is no doubt. Alex Garland has broken new ground, and his script, actors, and cinematography deserve all the accolades they get.
- zalicMay 18, 2025As a photogrpher, I give it a 'meh'. I appreciated the different perspective on war and the handful of decent shots, but don't go in expecting well-developed characters.
- Manuel FrangisApril 8, 2025I just watched Civil War and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. This movie hit way harder than I expected. It is intense, gritty, and sometimes uncomfortable in a way that feels too real. It is not a movie that holds your hand or tries to make you feel safe. It drops you into a version of America that feels broken, chaotic, and way too possible. You feel the tension from the very first scene, and it does not let go. This is not some over the top action war movie. It is more grounded, more personal. You see the story through the lens of journalists who are trying to capture what is happening as the country tears itself apart. That perspective makes it feel raw and immediate. You are not watching big speeches or political debates. You are watching the aftermath of a nation divided, and the people just trying to survive through it. Kirsten Dunst is amazing in this. Her performance is subtle but powerful. You can tell her character has seen too much and is just trying to hold it together. She plays a photojournalist who has been through war zones around the world, but now she is watching her own country fall apart. That part hit me hard. There is something especially haunting about watching a story like this set in places that look familiar. The rest of the cast is great too. You get a mix of younger characters seeing this kind of chaos for the first time and older ones who are just trying to keep going. Their conversations feel real. Quiet, tense, and sometimes totally silent. The movie trusts you to feel it without explaining everything. The cinematography stands out. A lot of the movie is handheld, which makes you feel like you are right there with them. It is not always comfortable to watch, and I think that is the point. You are not supposed to feel removed. You are supposed to feel like you are witnessing something fragile, something scary, and something that could easily go too far. The way it is shot gives the whole thing this gritty documentary vibe that just works. There are action scenes, but they are not the focus. When they do happen, they are fast, loud, and messy. It is not polished or heroic. It is chaotic and ugly. The movie does not glorify any of it. It just shows what happens when things fall apart and people stop listening to each other. The reason I give it 4 out of 5 instead of 5 is because I do wish it had just a little more depth in certain places. You get glimpses of the world and what caused everything, but it leaves a lot of that off screen. I get that it is supposed to feel like a snapshot in time, but I was hoping for a little more context. Even just a few more moments showing how we got here would have made it feel more complete. I give Civil War 4 out of 5 stars because it is bold, intense, and emotional. It does not try to be comfortable. It just shows a world that feels way too close to real and asks you to sit with it. Overall Civil War is a powerful and haunting film that sticks with you. It is about journalism, truth, and what it means to capture the world when everything is falling apart. I walked away thinking a lot about the choices we make and how easily things can break.
- SixpaxMay 11, 2025Too early to classify this as a doco? It's a Vietnam "follow the news reporters" war movie set in a "current" USA. It's not an enjoyable movie, but that is not saying it isn't a good movie.
- Scott SmithFebruary 8, 2025This movie was made as a cautionary tale after the first Trump administration...that we barely made it out of. Now with a second and more damaging Trump term, it's looking more prophetic than ever. I hope we get the same ending. Bang!
