Kirsten Dunst Stars in Garland’s Sci-Fi Vision of America on the Brink: Civil War

by Annika December 13, 2023

Alex Garland, the luminary filmmaker behind “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation,” is charting a new course into the realm of speculative fiction with his latest project, “Civil War.” Partnering once again with A24, Garland introduces this upcoming American epic action film. The film’s cast includes notable talents such as Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Cailee Spaeny (who we’ll see in the upcoming Alien: Romulus movie). The first trailer was released today:

And here’s a first look at the Civil War poster:

Set in a near-future America teetering on the brink of civil war, “Civil War” is described as a sci-fi allegory for our current polarized predicament. This setting allows Garland to explore themes of division and conflict within a futuristic context, providing a backdrop ripe for his signature blend of thought-provoking storytelling and visually stunning filmmaking.

The project, announced in January 2022, quickly garnered attention for its bold premise and star-studded cast. In addition to Dunst, Moura, Henderson, and Spaeny, the film will feature Karl Glusman, Sonoya Mizuno, Jonica T. Gibbs, and Jess Matney. This diverse ensemble promises to bring Garland’s vision to life with a range of performances that span the emotional spectrum of a society in turmoil.

Garland’s trajectory in Hollywood has been marked by critically acclaimed projects blending genres and challenging audiences. Starting with screenplays for “28 Days Later” and “Sunshine,” directed by Danny Boyle, Garland made his directorial debut with “Ex Machina,” a film that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay and won Best Achievement in Visual Effects. His second directorial effort, “Annihilation,” adapted from Jeff VanderMeer’s novel, received rave reviews for its unsettling, Lovecraftian exploration of a mutated quarantine zone. Garland’s foray into television with FX’s “Devs,” a miniseries about a super-computer capable of digital time travel and recreating human consciousness, further cemented his reputation as a storyteller fascinated with the intersection of technology and humanity. We’re not fans of it, so we won’t talk much about “Men.”

“Civil War” represents a daring new chapter in Alex Garland’s evolving narrative as a filmmaker. With a compelling premise, a stellar cast, and Garland’s proven ability to weave complex themes into visually arresting narratives, the film is poised to offer a unique and potentially profound exploration of societal divisions in a near-future America. “Civil War” is scheduled for an April 26th, 2024 release in the United States by A24.