In the near future, the United States of America has undergone significant changes. At every turn, the world is plagued by war, violence, and suffering. This film follows the journey of a group of war journalists – Lee (Kirsten Dunst), Joel (Wagner Moura), and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson). After taking photos on the battlefield and the city streets, the trio decide it’s time to travel many miles to interview and photograph the President. Joining them on this dangerous journey is Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), a new and upcoming skilled photographer who looks up to Lee. The group sets off on their journey by car to reach the White House before it’s too late. Unfortunately, the task at hand is hazardous and almost unachievable, considering the world’s current condition. Along the way, they will encounter numerous individuals from various towns. "Civil War" is an action-packed war film with dramatic elements. It was directed and written by Alex Garland, known for his previous works such as "Ex Machina" (2015) and "Annihilation" (2018). While Garland is recognized for his expertise in sci-fi and his ability to create moments of unsettling tension, "Civil War" shows a different side of his talent. The film is terrifying from start to finish due to how effectively he presents the daunting question of "what if." The movie showcases four exceptional performances that are incredibly engaging and endearing. Each character has a unique personality. The film also depicts a touching friendship between Lee and Sammy that extends beyond Sammy simply learning photography skills from Lee. Additionally, Jesse Plemons' supporting performance adds to the unforgettable experience of the movie, even though his presence is brief. Overall, Civil War is deeply terrifying for multiple reasons. The realistic visuals, quirky film score, and plot all contribute to the exploration of the daunting question, "What if?" The movie is highly unpredictable, so you never know what to expect next. While the storyline alone may not appeal to everyone, I found the film highly impactful, leaving plenty of afterthoughts. The leading characters' performances stand out and are compelling and likable. This is easily Alex Garland's best film to date, and if it is, in fact, his final film, he has ended his career with a loud bang. * This review has been written for Sanity. For more reviews from Walkden Entertainment, check out the link here: www.walkdenentertainment.com

A journey across America following a team of military journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House. I thought this was a great action drama from the director of Ex Machina. It really puts you front and centre of the chaos with a magic performance from Kristen Dunst. 8/10