The first reactions to the film are nothing short of amazing!
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| Image Credit: A24 |
Renowned writer and director Alex Garland, known for works such as the 2022 horror Men and the 2014 sci-fi thriller Ex Machina, is making waves again with Civil War. This upcoming film produced by A24 is set in the near future during the Second US Civil War and depicts a team of journalists' struggle to survive. The dystopian action film, arriving in theaters in April, debuted at the South by Southwest Film Festival and is attracting a lot of attention as "a visceral and shocking cautionary tale."
The trailer for Civil War looks like an armed panic attack, and many are eager to see Alex Garland's depiction of the fictional (but not entirely unrealistic) events. Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny play two members of the journalist team, and according to some journalists like Sean O'Connell, the actresses' performances are worthy of an Oscar. Journalists' reviews, available via social media, define it as a brilliant work.
Civil War, the film is brilliant according to the first reviews: has Alex Garland created a true masterpiece?
Journalist Sean O'Connell writes on his X (formerly Twitter) account:
“Alex Garland has achieved with 'Civil War' a remarkable, astonishing achievement, a masterpiece that BRILLIANTLY chooses war journalists as its entry point. A fascinating study of the necessity and power of those who record society's actions. An impressive result!”
Other early reactions to the Civil War echo those of Sean O'Connell, with Scott Mantz writing:
“Alex Garland's 'CIVIL WAR' is an ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE. A gripping, merciless, and visceral cautionary tale, scary as hell. Watching it, you can't help but feel how close we are to actually making it happen, making it a MUST SEE to stop it before it actually happens.”
The Hollywood Handle tweets that Civil War is leading the race for best film of the year with its "terrifying" appearance, offering a tragic vision of war. They say:
“Civil War is crazy, a masterpiece, and the best film of the year so far. This film is perfectly made. A breathtaking portrait of what it means to live in a war zone and how tragic it can be. It's terrifying, it will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the film.”
According to Atom:
“Alex Garland has created a bold and devastating MASTERPIECE! A groundbreaking political action thriller with a shocking script and an incredibly talented ensemble. Truly a movie fan's wet dream. This isn't just another drama, it's one of the best movies ever made! A modern epic that breaks the mold. A24, Garland, and the entire cast/crew have achieved a truly historic cinematic achievement. Just WOW. There will be a before and after 'Civil War', it changes the cards on the table.“
Some viewers, like Tucker Hazell, are having a more visceral reaction than others. In Hazell's words:
“Wow, Alex Garland's 'Civil War'. I shit myself. I cursed deeply. I bought $10,000 worth of chewing gum stock. Nothing can prepare you for this itchy, extremely salty film.”
Perri Nemiroff praises all aspects of the film, from the production value to the immersive cinematography to the sound design. Alex Garland depicts a “deeply disturbing reality” through the astonishing ensemble he has assembled, says Nemiroff, writing:
“Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura and Stephen McKinley Henderson form a first-rate ensemble. And the dynamic between Dunst and Spaeny's characters is particularly touching. A brilliant microcosm of generational inspiration and the challenge of understanding how to chart a path forward, not one that goes in circles.”
Civil War was already highly anticipated, coming out of A24's production with Alex Garland's vision, and after these reactions from SXSW festivalgoers, the trepidation for this film won't be going away anytime soon. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film sits at 85% approval with reviews from 20 critics, so we'll have to see how that changes as more people have the opportunity to see it when it hits theaters on Friday, April 12.
Source: Cinemablend
