Themes of Civil War - written and directed by Alex Garland (2024)

12 November 2024
Filmmaker Alex Garland has a long way since he first hit a note with his script for The Beach.

Throughout the last 20 years Garland has had a steering hand in many classic gems of films - the pitch-perfect Dredd, the scary bear movie - Annihilation, the overlooked Men and the A.I. classic of Ex Machina.

Produced by A24 films, Alex Garland's film Civil War (2024) explores a near-future America divided by a devastating internal conflict, taking a deep dive into themes of political disintegration, the ethics of journalism, and the chaotic fog of war. Set against the backdrop of a nation fractured between an authoritarian federal government and secessionist factions, Garland constructs a narrative that refrains from clear political affiliations, instead focusing on the universal descent into chaos and the moral ambiguity that follows.

So hardly states that are united then...

It emphasizes the importance of journalism in such contexts, underscoring the role of the media in exposing truths during war and holding power accountable.

civil war film themes garland


One of the film’s primary themes is the breakdown of political and societal structures. 

Garland avoids a simplistic portrayal of the red versus blue divide, opting instead to illustrate a complex and murky conflict where the motives and ideologies of both sides are unclear, even to those fighting in it. This lack of clear political stances emphasizes the absurdity and tragedy of civil wars, where factions fight without a coherent understanding of their goals, highlighting the senseless violence driven by deeply entrenched divisions in society.

Another critical theme is the role and ethics of journalism in war. 

The story is seen through the eyes of war journalists, who strive to document the conflict while grappling with their professional duty and personal trauma. Kirsten Dunst’s character, Lee, exemplifies this struggle; she is a seasoned war photographer facing an existential crisis over her work's impact, or lack thereof. This theme reflects Garland's commentary on the often-questioned objectivity and moral quandaries of the press in conflict zones, where the lines between documenting and influencing events are blurred.

Garland also delves into the psychological toll of war on individuals, particularly journalists on the front lines. The characters face intense stress and trauma, manifesting in different ways. For instance, Lee's emotional detachment contrasts sharply with the reckless thrill-seeking of her colleague Joel, portraying a spectrum of coping mechanisms against the relentless backdrop of violence. 

This focus on personal struggles offers a raw and intimate perspective on the broader chaos of the conflict, showing how war alters one's psyche and distorts moral judgment.

The film further critiques the spectacle of political power and its downfall. The portrayal of the President as a despotic figure who manipulates fear and division, yet becomes a pitiful figure hiding from the advancing rebels, underlines the transient and performative nature of political authority. This theme resonates with historical instances of collapsing regimes and highlights the inevitable vulnerability of even the most powerful leaders when societal structures crumble.

Lastly, Civil War serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme polarization and the fragility of democratic institutions. The ambiguous motives of the warring factions suggest that the specifics of the political divide are less significant than the fact of division itself, pointing to a broader commentary on the contemporary political landscape. 

Garland uses this dystopian vision to reflect the current anxieties around democracy's decline and the societal consequences of entrenched partisanship, making the film a relevant and thought-provoking piece on the potential future of American society.

Through its themes, Civil War challenges viewers to contemplate the cyclical nature of conflict and the human capacity for self-destruction, making it a haunting exploration of the complexities underlying civil strife in the modern age.

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About the author Jimmy Jangles


My name is Jimmy Jangles, the founder of The Astromech. I have always been fascinated by the world of science fiction, especially the Star Wars universe, and I created this website to share my love for it with fellow fans.

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