Civil War (2024)

109 minutes, four journalists, one car and almost no explanation of how the country fell apart. Alex Garland leaves the backstory blank on purpose, and that choice will either grip you or drive you up the wall. The film cares about the people holding cameras. Kirsten Dunst is terrific as Lee, a war photographer so numb she barely blinks, and Cailee Spaeny’s Jessie is the eager newcomer learning what the job costs. Stephen McKinley Henderson brings warmth as the old pro keeping everyone grounded. The trip is a string of eerie stops, from a quiet town pretending nothing’s happening to a standoff with an armed stranger that will have you holding your breath. The weakness: Jessie makes reckless choice after reckless choice, and the script leans on her mistakes to keep things moving. It made $127.3 million worldwide on a reported $50M. A 7.5 because it’s a gripping, unsettling road movie that keeps its opinions to itself. $346.19 says a car door slams outside tonight and you freeze for a full second before you remember where you live.

What works: Kirsten Dunst and Cailee Spaeny are excellent, and the road trip structure delivers some truly tense, unforgettable scenes.

What doesn’t: Jessie’s repeated reckless choices start to feel like a plot device, and the lack of backstory leaves some viewers frustrated.

Who it’s for: Grown-ups who like tense, serious road movies and care more about characters than about explanations.