Just in Time for the US elections, prepare to experience Alex Garland’s „Civil War“.

Set in a near-future America, the United States is in a state of Civil War. The incumbent U.S. President, now in his third term and ruling with authoritarian powers, faces secessionist uprisings from all sides. War has torn much of the United States to a third-world country. During this time we follow a group of photojournalists confronted with the realities of war.

Disillusioned Lee Smith (Dunst) reluctantly agrees to take rookie Jessie Cullen (Spaeny) along on a road trip to the White House, where they aim to secure a rare interview with the President – his first in several years and presumably his last.

Despite its premise and marketing campaign, „Civil War“ is far more than just another commentary on the current American culture war but instead a brilliant insight in the ethics of journalism and the powers of media. The over-the-top ambiguous and confusingly depicted situation is not a failure of the movie but instead it enables it to be freed from current realpolitik.

Inspired by „Full Metal Jacket“ (1987), the movie extends the Duality of Man concept and creates a Plurality of Man. A24’s box office hit is a strong recommendation for those who enjoy philosophical questions as well as fans of action-packed war movies. (SP)