WARNING! This article contains spoilers ofCivil War.
Alex Garlandaddressed a major criticism thatCivil Warsidesteps overt political statements, suggesting that his detractors may be overlooking the essence of the film. Garland expressed his frustration with these assessments during an interview withInverse, saying that, while the film might not shout its political undertones from the rooftops, it is undeniably steeped in political implications. The director pointed out that his choice not to explicitly define the film’s political message is deliberate, inviting viewers to engage with and interpret the narrative independently.
Garland said:
People keep saying the film is not political. I think they’re just missing the point. It’s just not stating politics in the way they want it to be stated.
Alex Garland Says Civil War Asks ‘What Threatens Us?’
Civil Warimagines a future America divided and embroiled in a second domestic conflict. The film deftly threads its story through the lives of journalists tasked with documenting this chilling scenario, where California and Texas spearhead the revolutionary Western Forces against a totalitarian regime led by a president in his unprecedented third term.It’s a premise ripe with political intrigue, mirroring some of the literal fears people have about ‘the end of democracy.‘Yet some critics argue the film lacks political engagement,calling it a missed opportunity to comment directly on the issues it presents. Garland explained:
“I thought, it’s actually not necessary because audiences ideally would make their own interpretation:‘What threatens us? What is there around right now that might lead us to this place?’ And I leave that to them.”
Civil War Challenges Conventional Political Boundaries Through Unlikely Alliances
One of the film’s most stirring scenes emphasizes this theme: a white nationalist confronts a group of journalists over their “type” of Americanism, set against the harrowing backdrop of a mass grave. The white nationalist soldier is played by Jesse Plemons, husband to star Kirsten Stewart, who told MovieWeb thatshe had to convince Plemons to star inCivil Warbecause he hated the character so much, especially this grueling scene.
This moment, among others, signals the film’s clear condemnation of white nationalism and authoritarianism. Garland’s portrayal of a country fragmented by its internal conflicts and ideological extremities serves as a stark warning against the dangers of political and social polarization. However, people are annoyed that the film doesn’t explicitly reflect which ‘side’ they’re on.
That’s becauseCivil Warreimagines state alliances in ways that defy current political affiliations, painting a picture of a nation where traditional party lines have dissolved. California aligns with Texas, while New York forms an alliance with Alaska, Hawaii, and Missouri. This reconfiguration suggests a scenario where geographical and strategic necessities eclipse existing political divides, challenging the audience to think beyond the conventional red versus blue state dichotomy.
Why Alex Garland’s Civil War Is Bound to Feel All Too Real
Alex Garland’s Civil War is coming this April, is a tale of an America heavily divided, and feels oddly similar to things we’ve seen before.
Garland’s deliberate avoidance of explicit political rhetoric is perhaps most evident in these unusual alliances. By eschewing typical partisan symbols, he encourages viewers from all political backgrounds to engage with the film’s themes without the barrier of partisan bias.Some people say this is a case of Garland wanting to have his cake and eat it too, that he’s afraid to alienate audiences on one side of the political spectrum. Others say that this choice not only broadens the film’s appeal but deepens its impact, encouraging a reflective rather than reactive reception.
Ultimately, it’s true that a piece of media can be political without taking an ideological stance on one side or the other.Veepis an excellent example, in which we follow the Vice President of the United States as she tries to accomplish things and eventually schemes to gain more power. Throughout the series, we never learn which political party she belongs to, and yet the show has become one of the greatest critiques of American politics and politicians ever made. Time will tell ifCivil Warwill accomplish a similar feat.
Civil Waris currently playing in theaters.
