Culture Society, Identity and Belonging
There are two ways to do a speculative film about political polarisation in the US leading to an outbreak of armed violence – to root your story in real political turmoil as a dark warning about the state of the nation, or to do an action thriller that could be a zombie flick. Alex Garland opted for the latter. Nineteen states have seceded – including an unlikely Western Forces alliance between Texas and California that is approaching Washington DC. Kirsten Dunst’s photojournalist and her companions embed precariously with the WF, advancing on a spectacular Capitol set-piece finale. They manage to discuss the value of journalism without ever mentioning the war’s causes. Nick Offerman stands out as a delusional President, issuing victorious statements and ordering air strikes as the US falls apart. January 6 hangs over this film, but you have to do the work.