In the adrenaline-pumped dystopian thriller Civil War, writer-director Alex Garland thrusts us into a war-torn United States, a nation teetering on the precipice of collapse. The film’s harrowing canvas is painted with political divide, extremism, and the specter of a dictatorial president. As the country crumbles, war photographers become our last witnesses, capturing the chaos and unraveling fabric of society.
Kirsten Dunst portrays Lee, a seasoned war photographer whose lens captures both horror and hope. But it’s Cailee Spaeny as the aspiring young photojournalist Jessie who steals the spotlight. With a cheeky demeanor and a camera slung over her shoulder, Jessie transforms from a callow student into a cool wiseacre. Spaeny’s performance is a revelation—a delicate balance of vulnerability and determination that resonates throughout the film.
The fractured America in Civil War is a ticking time bomb. The rebellious secessionists, known as the Western Forces (WF), have seized control of Texas and California, advancing relentlessly toward Washington, D.C. The president, portrayed by Nick Offerman, remains in denial, delivering delusional TV addresses while the nation burns.
Garland’s vision is both spectacular and evasive. The film’s apolitical stance allows it to be enjoyed by Trumpites and non-Trumpites alike. Yet, as the story hurtles toward its climax—a Call of Duty melee in the heart of American democracy—the stakes become clear. We witness believable horror and delirium, glimpsing an America torn apart by unspecified divisions.
Spaeny’s Jessie is the heartbeat of the film. Her journey—riding shotgun in a press SUV behind WF lines—holds the promise of the ultimate money shot: capturing or executing the commander-in-chief. Spaeny’s portrayal is nuanced, capturing Jessie’s evolution from wide-eyed curiosity to steely resolve. She embodies the spirit of a generation caught in the crossfire.
The chemistry between Spaeny and Dunst is electric. Their dynamic—two photojournalists navigating chaos—anchors the film. Dunst, a friend and frequent collaborator of Sofia Coppola, recommended Spaeny for the titular role in “Priscilla.” It’s a serendipitous connection that changed Spaeny’s life, and their scenes together crackle with authenticity.
As the road trip unfolds, we encounter other war-weary characters. Stephen McKinley Hendersonas the aging veteran Sammy provides wisdom, while Wagner Moura injects adrenaline as the warfare-junkie reporter Joel. But it’s Spaeny’s Jessie who lingers—the embodiment of resilience and the power of bearing witness.
Civil War is more than a cautionary tale; it’s a mirror reflecting our own divided reality. Garland’s immersive yet dispassionate lens captures a nation on the brink, and Spaeny’s performance adds depth to the narrative. In this fractured America, where truth is elusive, Jessie’s camera becomes a weapon—a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who refuse to look away.
As the credits roll, we’re left pondering: What would we be prepared to photograph? What sacrifices would we make? Spaeny’s Jessie reminds us that even amidst chaos, the pursuit of truth remains our greatest weapon against darkness. Civil War is a warning—a call to bear witness, to capture the moments that define us, and to find hope in the rubble of a fractured nation.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
Socials: @neillfrazer
