#a24 #fridaynightmovie #moviereview
By ML SHAW
In the spirit of nerdy enthusiasm, let's dive into the cinematic experience that is Alex Garland's "Civil War," a film that has managed to stir the pot in the most A24 manner possible. Is it Sci-Fi. Yes. Is it Horror, a bit. Is it a gritty action movie with shifting in and out of other genres; Yes. It feels like how World War Z feels the first time you read it. The book. Not the movie. It invites you in. Garland is a veteran writer and film maker. Loaded with solid base hits for his back catalog. Hello, Dredd (2012)? And the unforgettable 28 Days Later. The man knows how to write.
The Late Stage of a Civil War witnessed through The Press. Photo by photo we find ourselves. Embedded smack in the center. The middle. Being A Watcher like Marvel’s Uatu. Observing. You want to look away. But you cannot. This isn't just a movie; it's an event, a cultural moment that demands to be dissected with the precision of a scalpel and the giddy excitement of a comic book fan stumbling upon a rare first edition. If A24 keeps this up, we might have to preserve it for future generations. No other studio could have hit the target again and again like they did.
Do we see the end? Or is it the beginning? Like, man. Chill out, like its just like a movie.
The Perfect Dance with the Audience
From the opening shot, "Civil War" establishes itself as a film uninterested in the pedestrian. Garland, known for his cerebral narratives and pacing, complete straight shot visual storytelling that feels akin to a perfectly timed dance with the audience. It's as if he's taken the hand of every viewer, leading them through a emotional labyrinth that's bewildering and utterly captivating. The timing is, indeed, sublime. Each scene and cut, feels meticulously crafted to not only advance the story but to engage the viewer on a deeper personal level. This isn't a film you watch; it's a film you experience, a journey you undertake alongside characters that feel hauntingly real. Human.
Kirsten Dunst and the Soundtrack: Pillars of Excellence
Kirsten Dunst delivers a performance that can only be described as a revelation. In a role that demands both subtlety and raw emotional power, Dunst rises to the occasion, imbuing her character with a depth and complexity that is nothing short of mesmerizing. It's a reminder of her immense talent and a testament to Garland's ability to draw out career-defining performances from his actors.
The soundtrack, meanwhile, is a character in its own right. It's not just on point; it's a class in how music can elevate a film, transforming scenes from mere sequences of events into visceral emotional experiences. The choices range from hauntingly beautiful to aggressively discordant, mirroring the film's exploration of the human condition in a world teetering on the brink of collapse.
A Human Story, Not a Political Treatise
Do not bother trying to graft today’s America onto this film. It doesn’t work. All you can do is get in and go for the ride it takes you on. Thankfully, in an era where cinema often feels compelled to take a stance, to shout its message from the rooftops, "Civil War" opts for a different path. This isn't a political movie; it's a human story. It's about the choices we make, the lives we lead, and the shadows we cast on those around us. Garland's film refuses to beat the audience over the head with "The Message." Instead, it invites viewers to think, to feel, and to question. It's a refreshing departure from the norm, a film that trusts its audience to engage with its themes without the need for overt didacticism.
Every Actor Gives Their Best
In "Civil War," Cailee Spaeny serves as the audience's conduit into a fractured, near-future America. Her portrayal of Jessie, an aspiring young photographer, is crafted with a palpable sense of discovery and vulnerability that resonates deeply with viewers. Spaeny's eyes are indeed human—full of curiosity, fear, and empathy—allowing the audience to navigate the film's complex emotional landscape through her perspective. As Jessie witnesses the horrors and the humanity of a nation at war with itself, her reactions are raw and unfiltered, mirroring the audience's own shock and dismay. Her journey is one of maturation and resilience, and through her lens, we experience the narrative's unfolding in a visceral, moment-to-moment manner.
Fatherly
Stephen McKinley Henderson's role as Sammy, the aging mentor to Jessie and her colleagues, provides a stabilizing force amidst the chaos. Henderson, with his seasoned gravitas and nuanced performance, anchors every scene he's in. His character represents the old guard, the wisdom of experience, and the weight of history, which he imparts to the younger generation before passing the torch. Henderson's Sammy is a beacon of knowledge and a moral compass in a world where such things are in short supply. His interactions with Jessie and the other characters are pivotal, as they not only ground the narrative but also catalyze the growth and evolution of the new generation, who must navigate the complexities of their reality and carry forward the lessons learned.
The dynamic between Spaeny's Jessie and Henderson's Sammy is emblematic of the film's broader themes of generational change and the cyclical nature of history. As Sammy hands off responsibilities to Jessie and her peers, there's a palpable sense of continuity and change. The audience witnesses a passing of the baton, not just in terms of narrative focus but also in the ideological and emotional underpinnings of the characters' fight for a better future. This transition is handled with a deft touch, allowing the film to explore the interplay between the experienced and the nascent, the past and the future, all through the eyes of characters who are richly drawn and deeply human.
The Verdict: A Must-See Cinematic Experience
"Civil War" is a triumph. It's A24's biggest budget film to date, but its heart and soul lie in its storytelling, its performances, and its ability to connect with the audience on a fundamentally human level. Kirsten Dunst is phenomenal, the soundtrack is a revelation, and the film itself is a masterclass in cinematic storytelling. This isn't just a movie you watch; it's a movie you feel, a movie you carry with you long after the credits roll.
So, in the words of a mild-mannered co-host with a penchant for the nerdy and the profound, go see this movie. You won't be disappointed. It's a film that dances with its audience, that respects its viewers enough to engage them in a dialogue rather than a lecture. And in a world teeming with noise and fury, "Civil War" stands out as a beacon of what cinema can be when it dares to dream, to think, and to feel.
PS see also: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/11/movies/alex-garland-civil-war.html?unlocked_article_code=1.kE0.4DNg.fGCMYEXG3WeH&smid=url-share