LONDON — Filmmaker Alex Garland’s latest project, “Civil War,” is not just a tense thriller set in a conflict-ridden United States of the near future; it’s a deliberate conversation starter on the intricacies of politics and the role of journalism in modern society.
The film follows a group of journalists, led by fictional Reuters photographer Lee (played by Kirsten Dunst) and reporter Joel (portrayed by Wagner Moura), as they navigate a treacherous journey documenting societal collapse amidst a civil war. Their goal? To reach Washington, DC, before it succumbs to a rebel faction.
Along the way, Lee finds herself accompanied by aspiring young photographer Jessie (played by Cailee Spaeny) and veteran reporter Sammy (portrayed by Stephen McKinley Henderson), adding layers of complexity and challenge to their already perilous expedition from New York.
Garland, speaking at the film’s premiere in London on Tuesday (March 26), emphasized that “Civil War” is more than just an anti-war narrative. “It’s a story about journalists and their crucial role in society. It raises questions about why good journalism struggles to gain traction and delves into the complexities of polarized populist politics,” he explained.
For Dunst, embodying the character of Lee, a seasoned photojournalist grappling with the toll of covering conflict zones, was a unique experience. “I haven’t tackled a role like this before. It’s refreshing to see a woman in the lead of an action-packed war movie, portraying a job like photojournalism,” she remarked.
Drawing inspiration from the late reporter Marie Colvin, Dunst immersed herself in the world of photojournalism, ensuring authenticity in her portrayal. “Marie embodied the qualities I wanted Lee to have,” Dunst said. “My main focus was to make sure my camera felt like an extension of my character, seamlessly integrated into the narrative.”
Garland, known for his work on “Ex Machina” and “28 Days Later,” began crafting “Civil War” during the tumultuous period of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lead-up to the 2020 US presidential election. He viewed writing the film as a means to confront the anxieties of the time and address pressing societal questions.
“This film is designed to spark conversations,” Garland noted. “It’s not about taking sides or dictating opinions. It’s about engaging the audience and prompting self-reflection, which is what makes it unique.”
“Civil War” is set to debut globally in theaters on April 10, inviting viewers into a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between politics, journalism, and human resilience in a volatile world.
