CIVIL WAR

Advertised as an action-packed political thriller, Alex Garland’s latest directorial effort, CIVIL WAR, is a far more humane though suitably intense work that stands as a testament to war journalists’ bravery in the face of a new American civil war. As cut by Garland’s longtime editor, Oscar-nominee Jake Roberts, ACE, CIVIL WAR is a patiently-paced film spotted with scenes of prolonged tension that are effectively interspersed with still images of the conflict being covered by the film’s characters. Elevated by outstanding work from Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, and Stephen McKinley Henderson, CIVIL WAR marks another distinctive and vital work from Alex Garland who, through EX MACHINA, ANNIHILATION, and MEN, has established himself as one of the world’s most exciting writer-director double-threats after a remarkable career as a screenwriter.

Jake Roberts, ACE, is an editor best known for his collaborations with Alex Garland on MEN and CIVIL WAR as well as David Mackenzie with HELL OR HIGH WATER (Oscar nom), OUTLAW KING, and STARRED UP, among many others. He also cut such hits as BROOKLYN and THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD.