Civil War (2024) Film Review
What the Movie Is About
Civil War is a film from 2024. The story takes place in the near future in the United States, which has fallen into civil war. A team of war journalists travels from New York City to Washington, D.C. Their goal? To interview the president just as rebel forces are closing in on the capital. It is a road movie, filled with danger, tension, and haunting images. WikipediaThe Guardian
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Visuals and Sound
Visual Style
The film looks powerful. Cinematographer Rob Hardy creates scenes that are both haunting and beautiful. You see broken towns, once-ordinary places turned eerie. A ruined shopping mall, empty highways, flickering fires—they all feel real and heavy. The GuardianCineFiles Movie ReviewsMovie Outline
Audio and Sound Design
Sound makes the film even more gripping. Gunfire, silent pauses, the roar of jets—they feel close and sharp. The sound design surrounds you, making you feel like you’re right there. Many reviewers praised how the audio brings the war to life. Movie OutlineReddit
Performances and Characters
Acting
- Kirsten Dunst plays Lee, a veteran war photographer. Her performance is quiet and strong.
- Cailee Spaeny plays a young photographer new to war. Her role shows what being torn between fear and excitement can look like.
- Jesse Plemons, appearing in a small yet memorable role, plays a militant figure. His part is frightening and intense. Movie OutlineKoimoiWikipedia
Character Development
Critics say the characters are not deeply shown. Their backstories and motivations are vague. They feel more like symbols than real people. This makes it harder to connect with them emotionally. Reel Opinion by Eric ZimmermanKoimoiCineFiles Movie Reviews
Some viewers liked the photos and silence that told the story visually. Others found the characters shallow and frustrating. CineFiles Movie ReviewsReddit+1
Story and Themes
No Backstory, Just War
The film offers little explanation of why the war began or what each side fights for. It avoids politics and precise reasons for the conflict. The focus is on the chaos and the journalists’ journey. The GuardianRotten Tomatoes EditorialRotten Tomatoes
A Reflection on Media and Violence
Some critics say the film asks, “How do we see war through media?” The movie shows photographers capturing horror, while the audience watches. It raises questions about how media can make violence feel distant or numb. The New Yorker Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
Cold and Tense Atmosphere
The film is tense and unsettling. It does not give answers. It keeps you on edge and lets you feel the fear and uncertainty. Many critics liked this approach. The Guardian + 1Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
What Reviewers Said
Praise and High Scores
- Rotten Tomatoes shows a critic score of 81% and an average audience score of 69%. Rotten Tomatoes
- Metacritic gives a Metascore of 75/100, meaning generally favorable reviews. Metacritic
- Praise often focuses on cinematography, performances, and emotional immersion. Movie Outline +1Rotten Tomatoes +1RedditDiario AS
Criticisms and Lower Ratings
Some critics rated the film poorly. One reviewer gave it just 1 out of 4 stars (a D- grade), calling it clunky and uneven. Medium
Others criticized the story and script, calling the dialogue unrealistic and the characters acting silly or unsafe in war contexts. Reel Opinion by Eric Zimmerman Reddit +1
Mixed Viewer Thoughts
Online fans are split:
“Way more action… more war.” — disappointed viewer on Reddit
“Sound design was excellent, but the movie felt flat.” — home theater fan Reddit
“Like a video game, traveling from point to point. Deep if you accept what it is.” — thoughtful viewer Reddit
Summary Table
Strengths/WeaknessesStrong visuals & realistic sound Thin character development Tense and immersive atmosphere Little political or emotional context Bold, minimalist storytelling Unclear motives and confusing choices Raises questions about war & media Mixed audience expectations and reactions
Final Thoughts
Civil War (2024) is a bold yet divisive film. It is rich in mood, visual detail, and sound. It grabs your attention with its close, tense depiction of civil war. Yet it leaves many questions unanswered—about characters, politics, and motivations.
If you enjoy films that provoke thought and feel real and raw, this film may be for you. But if you prefer clear plots, strong characters, and explanations, this might frustrate you.
(FAQs)
1. Who directed Civil War (2024)?
It was written and directed by Alex Garland. Wikipedia
2. Where can I watch the film?
You can watch it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home, and Max (formerly HBO Max). Movie Outline
3. How long is the movie?
The film runs for about 109 minutes (1 hour and 49 minutes). kipedia
4. How much did it cost to make the film?
The budget was $50 million. Wikipedia
5. Was Civil War successful at the box office?
Yes, it grossed around $127 million worldwide—making it A24’s second-highest-earning film ever. Wikipedia
6. What do critics say overall?
Critics are mixed but generally positive. Rotten Tomatoes has an 81% critics rating, and Metacritic gives it 75/100.
7. What are common criticisms?
Main complaints include weak characters, lazy dialogue, minimal context for the war, and frustrating narrative choices.
8. Is the sound design good?
Absolutely. The sound is immersive, especially in action scenes and war zones. It’s one of the film’s standout elements.
