An intensely harrowing and unflinchingly tense viewing experience, Alex Garland’s Civil War is an important watch. That’s because the movie stands as a sobering cautionary tale. You know, should the great divide in America reach critical mass. It’s important to note however, that the movie’s focus isn’t necessarily on the disturbing war-torn United States backdrop, but rather the four photojournalists who are tasked with covering it. The movie is less about why this nightmare scenario has played out (or what each side is truly fighting for), but rather the men and women tasked with covering it. Civil War speaks to the importance of journalism as a whole – not to mention the shocking things these people do to get the right shot/story. It really is a four-way character study of these very different (and not so different) characters. So, lucky for us, the performances sting just as much as the blistering gunfire. Of course, this being an Alex Garland film, it’s also constructed with impeccable craftsmanship. The visuals are in your face and raw to the max, taking on a POV approach most of the time. The sound design is especially great, with crackling (and disturbing) gunfire throughout. Plus, there’s some wonderful soundtrack choices thrown in. Any way you shake it, Civil War is terrifyingly urgent!