'Civil War' is a smart depiction of conflict with humans caught in the crossfire of senseless violence

In the chaotic landscape of 'Civil War', ideology takes a back seat to survival. This isn't your typical battle of ideas; it's a raw struggle for existence, where every gunshot echoes a primal instinct to fight back. Set in a fractured United States, where power clings to the hands of a president in his third term, the film plunges us into a world where factions clash without clear allegiance.

At the heart of the narrative are four courageous war journalists, led by the indomitable Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), a photojournalist with nerves of steel. Alongside her is Joel (Wagner Moura), a reporter determined to capture the truth, and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), a seasoned journalist clinging to the remnants of the once-mighty New York Times. Rounding out the group is Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), an aspiring photographer eager to prove herself in the midst of chaos.

Lee's character shows us the strength of those who witness war's horrors. Despite the pain she carries from what she's seen, she stays focused on her mission: capturing the truth. While she does care for Jessie, her concern is limited to ensuring that Jessie doesn't hinder their progress. When Jessie questions whether Lee would photograph the moment if she were shot, Lee's response is a straightforward "What do you think?" It's clear that Lee has been deeply affected by the horrors she's witnessed. During quiet moments in her hotel bath, she can't help but remember the disturbing scenes she's captured around the world. Lee sums up her role succinctly, stating, "We record so other people ask. That's the job."

The movie, while sometimes stretching believability, stays grounded in the tough reality of war reporting. Director Garland skillfully shows us the harshness of conflict,  from the grim aftermath of battle to the eerie silence that follows an explosion. What sets Civil War apart is its refusal to offer easy answers. There are no heroes or villains here, only human beings caught in the crossfire of senseless violence. 

In one particularly striking sequence, the director juxtaposes scenes of brutality and violence with the upbeat rhythm of De La Soul's "Say No Go," forcing us to confront the disconnect between the horrors onscreen and the mundanity of everyday life.

 At the end, 'Civil War is a reminder that, in the face of adversity, the most powerful weapon we have is our capacity for compassion.