Civil War (2024) - A Shockingly Realistic Portrayal of the Worst-Case Scenario for the United States of America - 9/10 (31/05/24)

Civil War is a dystopian drama on the pulse of time that depicts the downfall of the United States of America in a near future marked by prejudice, division and an ongoing civil war. This movie recalls dystopian science-fiction literature in the key of Ray Bradbury and Aldous Huxley but also reminds of contemporary politicians such as Donald Trump and Sarah Palin.

This movie makes an important statement for independent journalism throughout. This film follows a diverse group of journalists, including professionals from abroad and from home, including veterans and rookies, including men and women, who travel through a war-torn country as they document suicide bombings, refugee camps and an attack on the White House.

Civil War convinces on numerous levels. First and foremost, the plot as well as its motifs, symbols and themes offer food for thought, discussion and change. This movie portrays the worst-case scenario for the near future of the United States of America. The idea behind this movie is to prevent the things portrayed here from ever happening. This kind of movie should indeed be analyzed in school to educate future generations about the impacts of their choices.

The settings of this film are particularly impressive as well. We get to observe mass protests in New York City, military camps in Charlottesville, Virginia and street combat in Washington D. C.. In between, the journalists travel through beautiful landscapes that however offer a high number of dangers. These include kidnapping, murder and theft involving seemingly ordinary citizens as well as sociopathic radicals.

The acting performances deserve to be praised as well. Every single journalist struggles with the ongoing terror and shows remarkable courage to overcome these challenges. Kirsten Dunst, Evan Lai, Nelson Lee, Stephen McKinley, Sonoya Mizuno, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny and Jefferson White all play convincing, diverse and profound journalists. Nick Offerman portrays a dictatorial President of the United States of America who has decided to serve a third term. Jesse Plemons excels as racist ultranationalist militant and mass murderer.

At the end of the day, the idea to portray a dystopian fate for the United States of America isn't new. The way the movie Civil War portrays such a worst-case scenario is however shockingly realistic. The settings, messages and acting performances elevate this movie to a serious candidate for several Academy Awards nominations.