How A24’s Civil War Changed the Modern War Movie Formula

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War films have a rich history, featuring iconic movies like Dunkirk, Saving Private Ryan, and Apocalypse Now. These classics not only recreate past conflicts but also offer important insights, making the genre a significant part of cinema. As the nature of war changes, so do the films that depict it. Last year, director Alex Garland, known for Ex Machina and Annihilation, co-directed Warfare, which received critical acclaim and performed well in theaters. This followed a previous war film by Garland that, while interesting, didn’t achieve the same level of success.

With a $50 million budget, Civil War was a significant investment for A24, and while it performed well in theaters, it also generated a lot of debate. The film presents a fictional scenario of a second American Civil War, but it stands apart from typical war movies and offers a fresh take on the genre.

Civil War Is Grounded and Ambiguous

The film Civil War opens with a United States President running for a third term, presiding over a government that has become increasingly authoritarian and uniting the states of California and Texas. While the film deals with a deeply political subject, it deliberately avoids identifying the President’s political party or pushing a specific political agenda.

The film deliberately avoids specific details about the conflict, likely to keep the focus on the characters and their struggles. For example, a scene showing soldiers firing at each other doesn’t reveal which side anyone is on, powerfully illustrating the brutal reality of war. A particularly memorable scene features Jesse Plemons’ character challenging the morality of the protagonists during a dangerous moment, highlighting the frightening consequences of deep division within the country.

The film realistically portrays what a modern American Civil War might look like. It depicts a United States devastated by conflict, with familiar scenes like empty football stadiums and abandoned stores, and even troops battling in the streets of Washington D.C. It’s difficult to envision a real modern civil war unfolding in a way that drastically differs from the film’s depiction.

Civil War Follows a Unique Perspective

Beyond its believable, fictional world, Civil War features strong performances from Kristen Dunst and Wagner Moura, as well as a breakout role for Cailee Spaeny as an up-and-coming photographer. The film focuses on these three characters as observers of the conflict, offering a broader, more realistic view of what a modern civil war might actually be like.

Many classic war movies focus on soldiers fighting for one side, but the new film Civil War shows the experiences of soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Despite being made for the immersive IMAX format, the film prioritizes storytelling over flashy visuals.

The movie delves into the emotional distance of seasoned journalists like the characters played by Dunst and Moura, who prioritize reporting over personal connection. In contrast, Spaeny’s character experiences the horrors of war firsthand and offers a more relatable, human response to the sudden and disrespectful deaths that occur early on.

Rather than a typical war movie focused on battles, Civil War explores the human impact and psychological toll of conflict. While it avoids direct political commentary, the film presents a disturbingly realistic and frightening depiction of a modern, divided America. By following journalists, the film offers a unique perspective on the realities of war.

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2026-02-01 02:38