An 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.
- rg94001d agoCivil War is a movie filled with striking images and heart-pounding tension, punctuated by moments of quiet and stillness. With stunning sound design, this movie puts the humans at the heart and center of everything. Based on the title and premise, it would be easy to assume this is a very politically charged movie with a political statement to make. I do not think that's actually the case. Sure, you can fill in the blanks with your ideologies of choice, but at its heart, this movie explores the motivations of journalists and the danger and horror they put themselves in to get the story. While it is certainly a war movie, it is also a road trip movie, set to the tune of folksy music and artillery. Kristen Dunst and Cailee Spaeny are fantastic as well. My only criticism is that despite there being an underlying theme and narrative to the story, at times it can feel a bit like disparate vignettes stitched together. Regardless, I think this is such a strong departure from Alex Garland's usual sci-fi horror, and we are the better for it.
- Garrett Wilkins6d agoAlex Garland makes the bold decision to tell a story about civil war without becoming consumed by the politics behind it. Civil War shifts the focus from generals and soldiers to the journalists. These reporters document America's collapse, offering a fresh take compared to typical war films. The photography, sound design, and sudden violence are effective. Garland doesn’t spoon-feed answers. This choice makes the uncertainty of the conflict part of the experience. It is a compelling concept that trusts the audience to observe rather than react. That same restraint, however, also keeps the film at an emotional distance. The characters often feel like bystanders instead of ones we can care about. Some scenes stand out as unforgettable, but they don't come together into a story as engaging as the premise suggests. Garland should receive credit for steering clear of simple political gains. He illustrates war through the lens of those who document it rather than those who fight in it. Despite the originality of the concept, I respected the film for its ambition more than I enjoyed watching it. Civil War is a captivating film that shows a unique view of its genre. However, it doesn't quite reach its full potential.
- 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.
- filmaddict007May 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.
- ZokkiieApril 8, 2026Really impressive how confident this feels. It doesn’t spoon-feed anything or try to make things neat, and that actually makes it hit harder. There’s a constant tension running through it, and a lot of moments feel uncomfortably real in a way that sticks with you after. Performances are strong across the board, and the whole thing just looks great—clean, raw, and immersive without feeling over-stylized. It knows exactly what tone it’s going for and commits to it. Only downside is it’s way too short. You can feel there’s so much more that could’ve been explored, and honestly I’d love a double-length director’s cut just to stay in that world longer. Still, it’s a really solid watch.
- CubaneApril 5, 2026What a mystifying experience. It's like someone put a mission impossible mask of your best friend on someone a foot shorter than them. All the trimmings are there, but it's still very clearly not right. The undisputed star and saving grace of this entire movie is the action, which is clearly well researched and shot properly. Given it comes from Alex Garland, that shouldn't be a surprise. The real shortfall here is the plot. While it teeters on the edge of complete lunacy for the entire runtime, the final battle was so absurd I wanted to walk right out of the theater. The characters are somewhat sympathetic, but I found them too predictable to be worth the time. This is supposed to feel evocative and stirring, but it's a swing and a miss. Yup, civil wars are le bad. Preach to the choir some more, why don't you.
- 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.
- 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.
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Civil War was released on April 10, 2024.
Civil War was directed by Alex Garland.
Civil War has a runtime of 1h 48m.
Civil War was produced by Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, Gregory Goodman.
An 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.
The key characters in Civil War are Lee (Kirsten Dunst), Joel (Wagner Moura), Jessie (Cailee Spaeny).
Civil War is rated R.
Civil War is an Action, War, Thriller film.
Civil War has an audience rating of 6.9 out of 10.
Civil War had a budget of $50M.
Civil War has made $126.5M at the box office.