Alex Garland’s ‘Civil War’ Presents Nightmares Painted in Red, White, and Blue

Review by Rob Hinkal

A stunning, disturbing look at a war-torn America, Alex Garland’s latest, Civil War, is a technical feat and one of the most intense films to be released in recent memory. Depicting an America torn apart from the inside out, Garland pulls no punches in showcasing the brutality, and inherent futility, of war, on those who are affected by its existence. Whether they are in the line of fire or observing as innocent bystanders. 

The last twenty minutes of the film, which won’t be spoiled here, show Garland operating at the peak of his powers with a third act for the ages. The imagery on display here and, in particular, the final moments of the film are a flawless, unsettling look at the societal and human cost of war and what those who profit off of bloodshed are made of. It’s the type of filmmaking that sticks with you long after the credits roll. 

A24’s most expensive film to date pays off in big ways, with Civil War being a tense, disturbing, and unforgettable experience.

Watch the trailer here and check it out in theaters!