After working on several sci-fi and horror projects, Alex Garland, the English writer and director, is back in theaters with a movie about war. Not just any war. A civil war dubbed as the second American Civil War, as parts of the US secede from the Union. The film had its world premiere at SXSW this week, and the people lucky enough to see it came away with (mostly) nothing but glowing things to say.

Kirsten Dunst and her husband Jesse Plemons star, alongside Cailee Spaeny, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno and Nick Offerman — who appears as America's President. The movie is out on April 12, 2024, and you might want to buy your tickets early.

The Good

A large potion of the early reviews use the same handful of words — "epic," "masterpiece," "gripping" and "engrossing." People were really blown away by this one, and while they limit their talk about the plot or specific moments, the mixture of battle sequences alongside a smart script and elegant direction has everyone hyped for a movie that set the tone with killer teasers.

#CivilWar is phenomenal. Alex Garland’s latest is a wholly consuming war movie. An epic but deeply intimate piece that uses the experience and motivations of a group of military-embedded journalists to highlight the deeply chilling reality of living in a world that never learns.… pic.twitter.com/hWxCYdSSbX

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 15, 2024

Um… Alex Garland’s Civil War is incredible. A true knockout. The movies I want to compare it to will force an overhype situation, so I’ll just leave it at that. One of the most engrossing movies I’ve seen in years. Goddamn.

— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) March 15, 2024

I’m speechless, Alex Garland’s Civil War is not only the best movie of the year but the most important. A haunting story that’s beautifully shot and led by a tremendous cast. There is nothing quite like it and you’re not ready. A true modern masterpiece! #sxsw pic.twitter.com/l8hEzhQltp

— Luis 🔜 SXSW (@cultureelixir) March 15, 2024

Alex Garland’s “CIVIL WAR” is an absolute fucking MASTERPIECE. A riveting, unflinching, visceral cautionary tale that’s scary as hell. Watching it, one can’t help but feel how close we are to this actually happening, making it a MUST SEE to stop it before it actually does. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/IO66iO0rIU

— Scott Mantz 🖖 (@MovieMantz) March 15, 2024

Alex Garland’s CIVIL WAR is a masterpiece. My heart was constantly racing and my jaw was on the floor by the final act. Get rid of any expectations you have and see it in the loudest theater possible. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/LAkQ377SyC

— Jason Kauzlarich @ SXSW (@JasonKauz) March 15, 2024

Alex Garland’s #CivilWar is unlike anything I’ve ever watched. It’s a big, viscous, action-packed war picture from A24, which means it brings with it a richness & depth you don’t get anywhere else. Garland’s best work - flawless cinematography & gripping from start to finish. pic.twitter.com/Opbx5URRmq

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 15, 2024

Civil War just ended and I feel a little shaky. It’s a real assault on the senses.

— Katie Rife (@RifewithKatie) March 15, 2024

Alex Garland’s CIVIL WAR: I’m speechless.

A horrific tale. A journalism tale. An American tale, well-told. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/7P6hoHjW1r

— Alyssa Vidales @ SXSW (@instalyssa) March 15, 2024

Alex Garland's #CivilWar is less about the politics of right now and more about the horror that accompanies a world beyond politics, where all meaning gets lost in gunfire and smoke. Our review out of #SXSW https://t.co/k4lQGdCzHG

— /Film (@slashfilm) March 15, 2024

The Bad

There was less disagreement than praise, but at least there was some disappointment to begin with. Did the movie just scratch the surface of what could've been a really good story? Rolling Stone's David Fear thought so, and wrote: "Civil War offers a lot of food for thought on the surface, yet you’re never quite sure what you’re tasting or why, exactly."

I know I'm going to be wrestling with CIVIL WAR for a while, and need at least another viewing under my belt, and I really do think Alex Garland is one of the most interesting filmmakers working today...

but... @sxsw https://t.co/dFpXFUk6kZ

— David Fear (@davidlfear) March 15, 2024

The Ugly

A couple of reviews were really critical of the film, and one critic didn't shy away from calling the film "a generic America makes this strangely apolitical film feel ungrounded."

My review of Alex Garland's Civil War: NOPEhttps://t.co/0B73rO6wVy

— Kristy Puchko (@KristyPuchko) March 15, 2024

At one point this review was 2000 words.

Got some interesting messages about how I’m Black Liberal bitch, so I should kill myself for disliking this movie lol

Thx random person, just know I dislike this even more now. https://t.co/zSqonp2wRA

— valerie complex 🔜SXSW (@ValerieComplex) March 15, 2024

Watch the trailer: