In less than a month, film studio A24 will be releasing their newest, and arguably most anticipated movie of the year. Civil War is a movie in which a group of journalists make their way across the United States, which has recently entered the Second American Civil War. The film follows the journey taken by the journalists to avoid being killed by any of the separatist groups who spend their time trying to take down what is left of the American government. 

Attached to the film are big-name stars such as Nick Offerman, Jesse Plemons, and Kirsten Dunst. The film’s writer and director, Alex Garland, already has a history of making apocalyptic-style movies such as this one, having directed the cult classic 28 Days Later and the Oscar-nominated Ex Machina, which he also did with A24. 

While the film has yet to make any notable waves online, the timing of its release is something that cannot be ignored. During an election year in which forty percent of the American population believes that the possibility of another civil war is “at least somewhat likely in the next ten years” according to the Economist. This has led far-right users online to believe that the film is designed to be “Predictive programming” which is media designed to prepare the public for the event of an emergency.

Aside from all the conspiracy theories surrounding the film, though, the largest response we have seen is an outpouring of hesitance from the left. Saying that regardless of the message of the film or how it is handled, it will become more fuel for MAGA groups to promote division. 

Despite all the media attention, however, Alex Garland has yet to come out with any statement about the film. However, it wouldn’t be unrealistic to expect one after the film releases on April 12th here in the US. If that is still too far away for you, the film will be making its world premiere at the film festival South by Southwest this Thursday, March 14th.