And, in a way, Civil War is that.
But its also not and thats whyits so damned fascinatingand special.
A United States at war with itself, hence the title.
Kirsten Dunst in Civil War.Image: A24
So thats the first clue Civil War isnt a by-the-book, pro-left, anti-right Hollywood tale.
Certain roads are blocked off.
Other areas are not safe.
Spaney and Moura.Image: A24
Civil War is Alex Garlands most mature movie to date.
Sometimes that works, other times it doesnt.
Often, the most dangerous things we see arent in the center of the frame.
Dunst and Spaeny.Image: A24
A burning building here.
A pile of bodies there.
Were left to wonder, is it more Texas?
Just another day.Image: A24
They drive, encounter an obstacle, learn something, and move on.
Then they drive, encounter an obstacle, learn something, and move on again.
Where Civil War doesnt falter is portraying intensity.
No one is treated like a hero or villain at the start.
That can also make you question yourself, your biases, and more.
But its also because the performances are all so strong across the board that its easy to relate.
That is until she meets Jessie.
In Jessie, Lee sees a younger version of herself and it terrifies her.
Lee knows Jessie, portrayed with lots of raw emotions by Spaeny, is dooming herself to danger.
Choosing this life is probably the wrong thing for her.
And so what should be a simple, mentor-mentee relationship is always strained.
Lee sees too much of herself in Jessie, and Jessie doesnt care.
Ultimately, Civil War is a Rorschach test designed for maximum impact across political ideologies.
you’ve got the option to watch it and view it however youd like.
Is not taking a side a bit of a cop-out?
Should there have been a bit more of the story leaning left or right?
Id argue the fact it doesnt have that is the authorship.
Garland isnt necessarily interested in changing anyones mind about anything.
He wants any and everyone to consider themselves and what those differences could end up becoming.
And hey, if playing it down the middle helps more people see it, thats just a bonus.
Civil War is in theaters Friday.
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