Civil War: A Cautionary Tale Not for the Faint of Heart!

"Civil War," directed by Alex Garland, is a rollercoaster ride through a minefield of journalistic ethics in a dystopian, war-torn America quite literally through the lens of war photographers.  The film’s graphic imagery of large-scale military conflict which pits factions of the American public against the US military is disturbing, and the effects it has on everyone even more so.  In fact, the psychology of those documenting it are reminiscent of soldiers upon returning from war, desensitized to violence, addicted to the adrenaline rush of documenting combat, and drinking heavily to cope with it. Garland's directing immerses you in this world where journalistic integrity is supposed to be king, but, let's face it, chaos reigns supreme.  Set against the backdrop of a fractured America, "Civil War" delves into the psyche of these journalists as they navigate the chaos of a nation on the brink of collapse, clashing with those entrenched in the conflict and those who do their utmost to pretend it isn’t happening at all. Kirsten Dunst leads the ensemble cast as Lee, a legendary photojournalist partnered with Joel, played by Wagner Moura, both working for Reuters news agency.  Alongside them is Sammy, portrayed by Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Jessie, played by Cailee Spaeny, forming a group of reporters on a mission to interview the president, played by Nick Offerman, amidst escalating tensions.  The film does a fantastic job underscoring the jarring impact war has on someone new, idealistic, and untainted by the dose of reality from being directly in the line of fire. The film's narrative unfolds through a series of morally- and ethically-challenging set pieces, testing the characters' resolve and ideals as they confront the harsh realities of their profession in a landscape fraught with danger and uncertainty.  There are a few humorous moments throughout the film displaying the disconnect between those in the press and regular people, as the journalists’ heightened sense of self-importance is met with a cavalier attitude.  Through its characters and their interactions, the movie raises essential questions about the role of journalists in society and the moral quandaries they face in the pursuit of truth. Now, some folks are saying this movie is like a cautionary tale about a divided America, while others think it's just misery porn with a side of violence.  But you know what?  It's neither.  It's like a giant middle finger to all those cookie-cutter films out there, marching to the beat of its own drum. Written by Noah Davis A.K.A. The Prodigal Son