Exploring Kirsten Dunst's Role in the Intriguing Dystopian Film 'Civil War'

Kirsten Dunsts New Movie Civil War Is a Deeply Absorbing Dystopian Vision of the Future

Kirsten Dunst Courtesy of A24

Civil War earns 3 stars (out of 4) from We movie critic Mara Reinstein.

Maybe it’s best to start with a rundown of what Civil War is not.

Despite the ominous poster and serious trailer, this movie is not about politics. The director, Alex Garland, does not explain what the POTUS did to divide the nation. Red states, blue states - it doesn't matter. The focus is on the terrifying state of affairs.

Civil War is not a movie that you will want to watch over and over again. There are no confusing twists or hidden meanings in the intense violence portrayed. Garland, who hails from London, delivers his serious warning loud and clear with each gunshot. Despite this, the dystopian future he presents is captivating and hard to forget.

The movie explores the lives of combat journalists who find themselves in morally ambiguous situations in the pursuit of their work. Lee Miller, played by Dunst, is a seasoned war photographer who remains composed even when faced with danger in New York City. She is focused on capturing the truth through her camera. Together with her writing partner Joel, played by Wagner Moura, they aim to interview the elusive and embattled third-term president at the White House. According to Joel, this interview is the last significant story to tell.

Kirsten Dunsts New Movie Civil War Is a Deeply Absorbing Dystopian Vision of the Future

(L – R) Cailee Spaeny, Kirsten Dunst Courtesy of A24

Securing the sit-down will require traveling more than 800 miles via a beat-up white press van through active war zones and hostile territories guarded by merciless and heavily armed forces. On a personal level, Lee is also conflicted that a 23-year-old ambitious-but-green photographer (Priscilla star Cailee Spaeny) has wormed her way into the car. Her Jessie character is relegated to the back seat, along with a grizzled New York Times reporter (Stephen Henderson).

The group barrels through Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia, where emotionally hollowed-out locals scrounge for food and water and resources. The suspense level at every stop is almost unbearably high. Each encounter with a stranger carries a whiff of doom: Filling up the tank with gas at a desolate station requires delicate dealmaking with its wary owners; a sunny twentysomething girl working behind the counter at an empty clothing boutique seems untrustworthy.

The contrast between the optimism of spring and the stench of death is evident in Civil War. In a disturbing scene, a sadistic soldier (played by Jesse Plemons, who is Kirsten Dunst’s husband) stands in the greenery and callously murders bystanders as if swatting away a fly. This chilling moment makes the ensuing chaotic violence at the White House seem numbing and anticlimactic in comparison.

While Civil War has its frustrating moments, Garland’s lack of a clear perspective on journalists who witness the horrors of war is notable. Dunst portrays Lee as a cynical and hardened professional, while Jessie is depicted as an idealist who becomes physically ill after a traumatic experience. Both characters are heroes in their own right, but they struggle to fully resonate with the audience in moments that require genuine heart and empathy.

The logic behind their assignment - or rather, their mission - seems off. Who are these risk-taking journalists trying to reach? With no working cell service and limited internet access, it's hard to pinpoint the audience. The movie attempts humor when Moura mentions "what's left of The New York Times," but it falls short. Meanwhile, Dunst and Spaeny snap countless photos along the way, accompanied by a distracting camera sound. But do these images truly make a difference in this cynical world?

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There are no right answers when it comes to this film. The story is limited and the characters are very focused, so viewers have to simply take in the visual impact of the civil war: Desolate roads, chaos in neighborhoods, a deserted mall, cities engulfed in flames, and a powerful final image that leaves a lasting impression.

None of these elements make for easy entertainment. However, at this particular point in history, they are incredibly impactful.

Civil War, which premiered at the SXSW Festival, opens in theaters Friday, April 12.

Editor's P/S:

"Civil War" is a gripping and unsettling exploration of a dystopian future, where the lines between right and wrong are blurred. Director Alex Garland presents a chilling vision of a divided nation, ravaged by war and fear. Despite the film's lack of political commentary, it offers a profound meditation on the horrors of conflict and the role of journalists in documenting them.

Kirsten Dunst delivers a standout performance as Lee Miller, a hardened war photographer whose unwavering determination is both admirable and heartbreaking. The film's depiction of the emotional toll on journalists who witness the horrors of war is both poignant and thought-provoking. While "Civil War" may not be an easy watch, it is an essential and timely reminder of the fragility of our world and the importance of bearing witness to the truth.