In the movie CIVIL WAR As the economy fell, things started to get really hard for many lower-class families, and poverty became evident. The value of life demeaned and the confidence of the public toward the government dropped, leaving support real low. Slowly the American people have become at odds with each other. Causing sporadic fighting to break out throughout the country. In the east things deteriorated quickly in the major cities starting to form organizations that want to overthrow the current administration. Larger groups have now formed and retaliated against the current President. 
The government begins to reseed themself as the president hides himself from the public eye. He now is avoiding any opportunity and not allowing interviews. Sealing himself away to be safe and still control the country behind locked doors. With limited television exposure and newsprint not so evident, the opposition sees this as an attempt to underhandedly take over the country. Now appearing to work in secret, the general public started to become uncomfortable, and began to pick sides to prepare for what’s to come. What appears to now be an attempt toward the people as an abandonment to their aid, has become an act toward all-out war. Lines are drawn and groups begin to form, eventually creating the Western Forces. The Federation begins to take arms against the government militaries and their supporters making most of the major cities in the East, a war zone.
As our story opens, we see our heroes within the mix of the devastating battles breaking out throughout New York. Lee Miller (Kirsten Dunst), a renowned war photojournalist and her colleague Joel (Wagner Moura), a war correspondent, are revealing the photographic story behind the devastation they are currently experiencing. While shooting the action, Lee comes across this young girl, Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), an aspiring young photographer, who is risking her life to become a war time reporter like Lee. When the smoke finally appears at the end of the current day’s battle, the pictures taken will explain the true horrors that this country is now facing. 
During a meeting with Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), an older experienced journalist and Lee and Joel’s mentor, they are planning to find a way to interview the President of the United States (Nick Offerman) before his capture by the Western Forces. The three decide to work their way to the District of Columbia to interview the president in person. Having to travel to the capitol is not easy, and a direct route is impossible, with many of the major cities now in turmoil. Areas along the East are shutoff from any type of travel making the journey very challenging. With the suggestion from Sammy, they decide to avoid the eastern seaboard and go by way of Pittsburgh, through West Virginia to the Front in Charlottesville, VA. Now including Jessie, on the journey, this inspiring young very inexperienced reporter, will experience at firsthand what it is like to film the desolation of history.
Putting together a film that requires so much detail to develop can be a difficult process to put together. But as the director and writer, Alex Garland, writing about difficult topics is why they all do this. Now that Alex develops a remarkable event that actually could be real and might someday surpass, is one of the most challenging to express or even convey to your viewer. Giving us the aspect through the experience of the reporters was the best possible solution to make this storyline successful. Developing a realistic performance by the chosen cast, makes the experience become very real. The presentation is amazing and makes you feel their experiences as they moved through the narrative. Along with the spectacular special effects that puts the viewer into the mix and becomes your reality, the tale expresses how tough war can be, especially one between its own citizens. 
As the civil war breaks out, the life of a reporter becomes very interesting. Hiding behind a label, safety vest, Kevlar underlining, or a protecting soldier does not guarantee your safety. Not only is your life in jeopardy at any moment, but the adrenaline is pumping so hard that it’s making your decisions for you. The movement towards that elusive special shot that explains what all the madness is about is one step ahead in the wrong direction. Why you are here at all is the reason for your existence. After experiencing this adventure, you will understand a little glimpse on why these unsung heroes do what they have to do. 
Final Comment: I based my grade on a fantastic script that guides the quest through difficult terrain, a magnificent presentation, and powerful special effects.
Stars 4.5 out of 5
Additional Film Information
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley, Jesse Plemons, and Nick Offerman
Directed and written by: Alex Garland
Genre: Action, and War.
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong violent content, bloody/disturbing images, and language throughout
Running Time: 1 hour and 49 minutes
Release Date: April 12, 2024
Distributed By: A24
Release In: IMAX, Dolby Digital, and Standard.