Civil Waris now streaming on Max, and the $122 million war movie success with 81% onRotten Tomatoesis one of the best movies of 2024.Alex Garland’s new dystopian war movie examines the world of war journalists, with it following a group of journalists who are headed to Washington D.C. to get an interview with the president before rebel forces siege the capitol. The film was a massive critical hit and wasone of A24’s biggest box office successes, and now that the film is on streaming, it is time for a whole new audience to discover the movie.
Director Alex Garland is one of the most acclaimed yet divisive filmmakersof the modern era, withCivil Warbeing his most recent film. Garland got his start as a screenwriter, with him being behind the the script for28 Days Lateras well as other films likeSunshineandNever Let Me Go. Alex Garland’sDreddmovie saw his first uncredited director role, with him then going on to make his official debut withEx Machina.Garland followed this up withAnnihilationand the controversial horror filmMen, before directing his big 2024 hit.
Civil War Is Now Streaming On Max - Why You Should Watch It
The Film Has Finally Hit The Streaming Service
Civil Warhas finally been released on Max, and there are so many reasons to watch it.Civil Warmay look like just another war film on its face, but there are so many aspects that make Garland’s film incredibly unique. Rather than focusing on soldiers or other subjects more typically seen in war movies,Civil Warhighlights the profession of war journalism, with Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny portraying war photographers.
Civil War Ending Explained
Alex Garland’s latest, Civil War, has an explosive ending that leads to multiple deaths. We break down the film ending’s biggest moments and more.
This allows for some incredibly unique themes about the sensationalization of war, something that makesCivil War’s anti-war message unique.The strongest aspect ofCivil Waris its cast, with the film’s main quartet of characters all being incredibly interesting. Thecharacters played by Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, and Stephen McKinley Henderson are all immensely dynamic, with their different positions on the ethics of war journalism and motivations for going to D.C. creating an incredible dynamic.
$122.5 million
81%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
70%
The conflicts between the four characters carry the film, withCivil Waroccasionally throwing in other talented actors like Jesse Plemons, Nick Offerman, and more. DespiteCivil Warbeing more mainstream than some of his other films,Alex Garland’s directorial hand can still be felt throughout the entirety of the film. Garland’s decision to take an immensely political subject and turn it into anon-political story withCivil War’s warwas a risky one, but it is the right choice for the film’s story.
“Without a doubt, Civil War is a technical masterpiece that makes full use of the cinematographic tools at its disposal, and for that it deserves commendation. Dunst’s performance is a revelation, buoyed by strong performances from the ensemble of seasoned and dedicated actors surrounding her, and they keep the story’s heart beating even when the screenplay fails to deliver specifics. But perhaps the most important thing is that the movie opens the door to a discussion about responsible journalism when it is most sorely needed.” -Tatiana Hullender,Screen Rant’s Civil War Review
Civil Warcarries on many of the tropes that can be seen throughout Garland’s filmography, with the complex themes being the most obvious.Civil Waris also a beautiful film, with the cinematography being one of its strongest aspects.Civil Waris full of unique visuals that are a sight to behold, with locations like the flaming forest and the stadium of war refugees being incredible moments of worldbuilding as well as striking images.
Civil War Is One Of 2024’s Best Movies
It Has Received Critical Acclaim Despite Its Thematic Controversy
Civil Waris easily one of the best movies that has been theatrically released in 2024 so far, which is especially impressive considering that it is a blockbuster movie.Civil Warhas been held up alongisde the most well-received blockbusters of 2024, includingDune: Part TwoandFuriosa: A Mad Max Saga.
DID YOU KNOW: Jesse Plemons was a last-minute addition to the film, with him being the husband of star Kirsten Dunst, who recommended him after the original actor became unavailable.
Civil Waris considered one of the best even among 2024’s non-blockbuster films, with it getting nominated at early 2024 awards shows like the Astra Midseason Movie Awards.
Civil War
Cast
Civil War is a 2024 action thriller from writer and director Alex Garland. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Stephen McKinley Henderson, Civil War takes place in the near future and shows the United States entering a new Civil War after California and Texas attempt to separate from the country.
