“Civil War” is a 2024 dystopian film penned and helmed by Alex Garland. It chronicles the journey of a group of journalists traversing the United States amidst a civil conflict pitting an authoritarian federal government against various regional factions. The ensemble cast features Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Nick Offerman.
Filming commenced in Atlanta, Georgia in 2022 before shifting to London later that year. “Civil War” premiered at South by Southwest on March 14, 2024, and received a wide theatrical release in the United States through A24 and in the United Kingdom via Entertainment Film Distributors on April 12, 2024. With a budget of $50 million, it stands as A24’s most expensive production to date. As of now, it has garnered nearly $96 million globally.
Critically, “Civil War” earned acclaim for its portrayal of warfare and Garland’s directorial decisions, notably the utilization of handheld camera footage. While it garnered commendation for its handling of contemporary political themes, including issues surrounding democratic erosion and heightened political polarization, it also faced scrutiny for the same approach.
CHARACTERS
– Kirsten Dunst portrays Lee Smith, a celebrated war photojournalist hailing from Colorado. She holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever member of the Magnum Photos cooperative, with her first name paying homage to the renowned World War II photojournalist Lee Miller.
– Wagner Moura embodies Joel, a Reuters journalist originating from Florida and a colleague of Lee.
– Cailee Spaeny takes on the role of Jessie Cullen, a budding young photographer from Missouri who joins Lee and Joel on their expedition.
– Stephen McKinley Henderson portrays Sammy, a seasoned journalist working for The New York Times and serving as Lee’s mentor.
– Nick Offerman assumes the character of the President of the United States, an authoritarian leader currently in his third term.
– Sonoya Mizuno appears as Anya, a British reporter embedded with the Western Forces’ advancement toward the capital.
– Jefferson White plays Dave, Anya’s cameraman.
– Nelson Lee features as Tony, a Hong Kong reporter who shares a close friendship with Lee and Joel.
– Evan Lai portrays Bohai, another Hong Kong reporter and colleague of Tony.
– Jesse Plemons appears as an uncredited role, embodying a racist ultranationalist militant who holds the journalists captive at gunpoint.
– Karl Glusman appears as a spotter.
– Jin Ha takes on the role of a sniper.
– Juani Feliz portrays Secret Service Agent Joy Butler.
STORYLINE
A conflict has erupted within the United States between the government and various regional groups. The president, now in his third term, assures that victory is within reach. Esteemed war photographer Lee Smith rescues aspiring photojournalist Jessie Cullen from a suicide attack in Brooklyn.
Lee, alongside her colleague Joel, plans to journey to Washington, D.C., aiming to interview and capture images of the president before the city succumbs to the chaos. Their mentor, Sammy, requests to accompany them as far as Charlottesville, where the Western Forces (“WF”) from Texas and California are assembling for a decisive strike. Despite Lee’s initial reluctance, she and Joel agree. Unbeknownst to Lee, Jessie persuades Joel to allow her to join their expedition.
As the group departs the city, they encounter a rural gas station guarded by armed individuals and exchange currency, resorting to Canadian dollars due to the devaluation of the US dollar amidst the conflict. Jessie ventures off to a nearby car wash, where she witnesses brutal treatment of suspected looters. Lee diffuses the situation by photographing the aggressor alongside his victims. Afterward, Jessie criticizes herself for failing to capture the moment.
Continuing their journey, they witness ongoing combat as militias assault loyalist-held positions. Lee recognizes Jessie’s potential as a war photographer, while Jessie captures the brutality of the conflict. They spend the night at a refugee camp before passing through a town where residents try to maintain normalcy under strict surveillance. Lee and Jessie’s bond strengthens as they share moments of camaraderie.
Their journey becomes increasingly perilous as they find themselves trapped in a sniper battle amid the remnants of a Christmas fair. Jessie’s courage grows as she hones her photography skills under Lee’s guidance. Tragedy strikes when they encounter fellow reporters Tony and Bohai, leading to Bohai’s death and Sammy sacrificing himself to save the group.
Upon reaching the WF military camp, they learn of the imminent Western invasion of Washington. Jessie’s photography becomes bolder, while Lee grapples with post-traumatic stress. In the besieged capital, Lee leads the group into the White House where they witness the president’s capture and subsequent execution.
Amidst the chaos, Joel chooses to document the president’s demise while Jessie captures the historic moment. The smiling WF soldiers pose with the fallen leader’s body, marking the grim conclusion of their harrowing journey.
BOX-OFFICE COLLECTION
As of May 5, 2024, “Civil War” has accumulated $62 million in the United States and Canada and $33.7 million in other territories, resulting in a global box office total of $95.7 million.
In North America, the film was anticipated to earn between $18–24 million from 3,838 theaters during its debut weekend, marking the widest-ever R-rated release by an independent studio. On its opening day, it garnered $10.8 million, including $2.9 million from Thursday night previews—an A24 record. Ultimately, it premiered with $25.7 million, surpassing “Hereditary” as A24’s highest-grossing opening weekend and marking the studio’s first film to claim the top spot at the box office. The initial audience predominantly consisted of males (63%), with 57% falling within the 18–34 age bracket. IMAX screenings contributed over 16% of the opening weekend revenue, with viewers citing the film’s subject matter, action sequences, and general interest in indie cinema as primary reasons for attendance.
In its second weekend, the film experienced a 56% decline, earning $11.2 million while retaining its first-place position. However, it slipped to fourth place in its third weekend, grossing $7 million.
