Civil War: A Bleak, Beautiful Misfire

On a technical level, Civil War is an outstanding achievement. From the moment the film opens, its stunning cinematography, gritty sound design, and immersive action scenes immediately pull you into a brutal vision of a divided America. The problem is that’s where the excellence ends.

The story follows a group of journalists traveling across a fractured United States to interview a controversial president before it's too late. While that premise holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired. Kirsten Dunst, playing a seasoned photojournalist, feels strangely detached throughout. Her performance is muted to the point of boredom, failing to anchor the emotional core of the story.

Thankfully, supporting actors Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Jesse Plemons inject some much-needed energy. Moura’s reckless thrill-seeking, Henderson’s quiet wisdom, and Plemons’ chilling cameo help provide brief but memorable highlights.

The film’s biggest issue is its complete lack of character depth. We're given little reason to care about anyone’s fate. The motivations behind the civil war itself are barely touched upon, leaving the political backdrop feeling shallow and frustratingly vague.

Despite its sporadic moments of intense action and effective tension, Civil War ultimately feels hollow. It’s a visually striking journey with no real destination — a road trip movie where the view is incredible, but the passengers and the purpose are utterly forgettable.

While it's worth seeing for the craftsmanship alone, Civil War leaves behind a lingering sense of disappointment, unable to live up to the potential of its powerful concept.