Alex Garland follows his excellent Men from two years ago with this much bigger scale dystopian action film. Set in the near future when a civil war, featuring four conflicting sides, has engulfed the United States. A group of journalists travel across the country to try to get an interview with the president who seems to be on the brink of defeat.
We never really find out what caused the country’s disintegration. Based on current politics, it seems unlikely that Texas and California would combine forces, but that is what has happened here. Hints are given when the president is compared to various dictators and mention is made of him serving his third term. But, that does not matter as the story is about the four travelling journalists, and their motivations for carrying out such a dangerous job.
The performances by all four: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny and Stephen Henderson are outstanding. You would expect that from Dunst, who shows both remarkable resilience and terror, and Henderson. But it is Spaeny, following her very different acclaimed turn in Priscilla, who really catches the eye. Also, a truly terrifying Jesse Plemons appears in a one-scene cameo that turns out to be one of the movie’s highlights.
The group finally reach the capitol, in the company of the invading forces. There follows an extended sequence comprising relentless action, breathlessly directed by Garland, that has to rank with the best war footage ever brought to the screen. Garland also impresses in quieter moments, particularly when juxtaposing the beauties of nature with the ravages of war.
I would rate this as Alex Garland’s best film. It is thoughtful, brilliantly acted, and very tense at times.
Rating: 9 out of 10