Civil War: A Movie Not About War

Civil War is a 2024 film directed by Alex Garland that explores a fictitious future America in which a civil war has broken out.

Spoiler Free Review

Civil War is not the movie you would expect it to be. Although it is made clear that the movie follows a group of photo journalists, it is not clear just how focused the movie is on the idea of photo journalism. At the end of the day, this movie is not about war, but rather photo journalism. Although it does explore topics of war, it mostly has a message of the importance and complexity of photo journalism. In addition, the ambiguity of each side makes the movie very non political and does not take a side. Although this surprised me, I think it was the right direction to get the message they wanted to get across.

Overall, the movie is well done. It is well written and tells a compelling, albeit cliche, story about an ambitious young woman and her hero/mentor. The action sequences are also very raw and well executed. The movie puts you into the war zone and the world of a divided America. Almost the whole movie keeps you on the edge of your seat, it’s probably one of the most thrilling movies I’ve seen. It had my heart pumping and made almost two hours feel like nothing.

That said, it did have some problems as well. I think the movie could’ve benefited from some more exposition into the start of the war and why there is a war in the first place; but then again, it makes sense that they want to be ambiguous. Also, I think the movie could’ve had more at the end. It kinda just gets to the climax and ends.

Civil War is a compelling story, which comments mostly on the importance of photo journalism rather than war. With raw and intense action Civil War keeps your attention from start to finish.

Box Office

After just Thursday previews and Friday showings Civil War has made just over $10 million dollars at the box office. On a $50 million dollar budget, and a predicted $25 million opening weekend, A24 is sure to to be happy with how this movie is preforming.

Box Office Nerd Score

78%