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(L to R) Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny

Murray Farm/A24

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Murray Farm/A24

(L to R) Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny

Murray Farm/A24

1. A civil war for the big screen

Civil war, the new film A24 from British director Alex Garland, imagines a scenario that might not seem so far-fetched to some; a contemporary civil war breaks out in the United States.

In this world, the United States has divided into various factions. The president, played by Nick Offerman, has granted himself a third term and hopes to repel an onslaught from one of the most powerful groups.

In what might seem like the most incredible narrative twist, California and Texas form alliance to become ‘Western Forces’ and fight against the Offerman regime. Of course, I suppose!

2. How far are we from reality?

NPR film critic Bob Mondello says the film doesn’t provide much explanation to help us understand how the United States got to this moment. But he says it makes him stronger.

“What became much more interesting at that point was what it looked like to take things that we’ve always associated with other countries – helicopters being bombed and things like that – and put that into a JC Penney parking lot.”

And although the film has been criticized for its lack of political mention, the question of an actual civil war has everything to do with it.

Polls have shown that a significant minority think civil war is at least somewhat likely within the next 10 years. So what do the experts say?

3. Division in the United States

Amy Cooter is research director at the Center on Terrorism, Extremism, and Counterterrorism at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies. Her work led her to the question that Garland’s film posed to the minds of moviegoers and political pundits: Could a second civil war really break out here?

Cooter wants to make one thing clear: “I don’t think civil war is imminent, but I think some people wish we had one, and wish they could be effective cultural soldiers in restoring civil order. which they consider to be best for themselves and their families. »

In his studies of militias and political extremists, Cooter observed a movement of groups similar to those who participated in the January 6 riots who feel disconnected from the current political moment, or who perhaps wish to return to an earlier version of society, who feel better served.

And while Cooter doesn’t think a civil war will break out anytime soon, she does say this:

“I think we are at a moment of extreme political division that may get worse before it gets better.”

This episode was produced by Marc Rivers. It was edited by Jeanette Woods, Jonaki Mehta and Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.