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Its an anti-war screed thats less about the war itself than the psychological toll such strife takes.
As the hardened quartet travels, the film zeroes in on wars numbing effect.
They encounter Americans who have alternatively militarized their entire lives or turned a blind eye to the situation entirely.
IsCivil Warabout a civil war?
What you see inthe movies trailersis pretty much all the context Garlands script offers.
Thats right, things are so bad that Texas and California finally agree on something.
But dont expectDunkirk-level battles here; this is a character study with a handful of explosive set pieces.
Ultimately, if youre in the mood for an uplifting movie in 2024, stick toKung Fu Panda 4.
What year is all this happening?
The movie doesnt specify.
So its a left-versus-right thing, huh?
This isntThe Hunt, if thats what youre thinking.
The presidents political party is never clarified, and theres no mention of Republicans and Democrats.
Theres nothing more chilling than Jesse Plemons asking What kind of American are you?
while holding an assault rifle.
But does it hit too close to home?
(It didnt.)
Whether it hits too close to home is up to you.
What is the most controversial aspect of the film then?
Do Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons share a scene?
The most intense scene, actually.
Plemonss role is small.
This new world order seems to have empowered him to create his own little fascistic bubble.
This is the real-life couples third project together afterFargoandThe Power of the Dog.
Its also how Dunst met Spaeny, whom sherecommended to Sofia Coppolafor the title role inPriscilla.
IsCivil Warlike other Alex Garland movies?
Will the movie be a hit?
Budgeted at $50 million, this is A24s most expensive project yet.
(An adaptation of the best-selling video gameDeath Strandingwill kick it off in earnest.)
A24 will forego its typical platform strategy and release the movie wide on April 12.
