Movie Review "Civil War"

The states are no longer united. The former United States is now divided into The Authoritarian government in Washington and regional forces. The regional forces are: The West (California and Texas), The Florida Alliance and The New People’s Army. Divisions throughout the country are very strong.

Strangers meeting for the first time ask one another: “What kind of American are you – are you with us or against us?” Conflicting opinions are frequently resolved with violence. Civil war has engulfed the former peaceful democratic nation.

The acclaimed photojournalist, Lee (Kristen Dunst), plans to drive from New York to DC to photograph and interview the president. He is serving an unprecedented third term and she wants to document the event. Her pal Joel (Wagner Moura), will do most of the driving.

Another friend of hers, Sammy (Stephen Henderson), wants a lift to Charlottesville so he wheedles his way into a seat in their vehicle. The fourth passenger is the young aspiring photojournalist, Jessie (Cailee Spaney), who recently escaped a suicide bombing in New York.

The four set out in Joel’s white SUV that has the word press lettered on the hood and front doors. He hopes the presence of the word will offer them some degree of protection.

Driving through the empty landscape Lee spots a service station up the road. She feels it prudent to buy some gas as she’s not sure when they will have another opportunity.

They slowly approach the seemingly abandoned station. Sitting at the station’s entrance are three well-armed backwoods rebels. Joel approaches them carefully as, by his approach, the men have raised their rifles and point them in his direction. First he needs to establish that he’s on their side before negotiating the price for gas.

Once the cost is established he is informed only Canadian dollars are accepted. They purchase a half a tank and drive off.

After an overnight stop at a safe refugee campsite, the group pauses by a shuttered amusement park. Curious to see what’s taking place inside the park, they slowly drive through the entrance passing a smiling plastic Santa Claus poised on a red baroque sofa. They stop when the head of Santa is blown apart by sniper fire – likely their press car was the intended target.

Lots of brutal gunfire passes between two unseen groups –with deadly results. The now three journalists decide it’s best to turn around and move faster toward Washington. Approaching the city limits they see increased military activity, explosions, gun fire and death.

With 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in sight, the new arrivals see the president’s “beast” and swarms of heavily armored military and secret service personnel scurrying around the entrance to the White House.

The motorcade is at the ready as soon as the final passengers are safely inside the beast. From her viewing point, it’s difficult for Lee to determine who has entered the car. The limo’s doors slam shut and the fleet of cars and military vehicles race down the drive.

Lee feels there is a possibility the president didn’t flee and remained in the White House – she decides to investigate.

Directed by Alex Garland (Credits: Men, Annihilation) Civil War runs 109 minutes and is a “see” for a look into the issues that face conflicted, politically divided countries. Problems that have faced mankind in the past, perhaps in the present and possibly in the future.