Civil War first reactions: Alex Garland’s war film called ‘visceral’ cautionary tale post SXSW premiere

Alex Garland, acclaimed director of Ex Machina and Annihilation, just premiered his latest feature Civil War at the SXSW festival. If the first reviews are any indication, fans can expect another stellar film from the director.

Reviewers and fans who attended the festival took to X to share their first reactions to the film. ( Joe Camp, writer and director of Benji films, dies at 84)

About Civil War

The official synopsis of Civil War, as per the festival site reads, “From filmmaker Alex Garland comes a journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.” It stars Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, and Stephen McKinley Henderson among others.

First reviews

Erik Davis of Fandango wrote, “Alex Garland’s #CivilWar is unlike anything I’ve ever watched. It’s a big, viscous, action-packed war picture from A24, which means it brings with it a richness & depth you don’t get anywhere else. Garland’s best work – flawless cinematography & gripping from start to finish.”