A new film that imagines what would happen if modern America fell into civil war has been released at a very intriguing time, writes streaming columnist NICK OVERALL. 

Only weeks after a US election that split the country in half, an epic thriller that imagines what would happen if modern America fell into civil war arrives on Amazon Prime Video following a run in cinemas earlier this year.

Starring Kirsten Dunst as a worn-down photojournalist, Civil War depicts an America ravaged by violent political conflict.

Walmart carparks are filled with helicopter debris while iconic monuments such as the Statue of Liberty are reduced to rubble.

Amidst the chaos a team of reporters travel across the country trying to capture the insanity in unflinching detail for the world to see. Tensions flare when one of the entourage allows an aspiring and far-too-young photographer to join the group. Some of them try to protect her innocence while others say its time for her to see the full extent of this brutal new world.

The film comes from Alex Garland, a director who’s no stranger to post-apocalyptic settings.

He’s best known for writing the script to the 2002 horror movie hit 28 Days Later.

More than 20 years later and Garland has tried to tap into a very different type of horror, trading zombies for zealots.

Civil War never signposts who started this war, but there are certainly hints.

Strewn throughout the script are political puzzle pieces for the audience to put together but for the most part it’s left to the viewer’s own interpretation.

For some critics this was a big negative. They believe Civil War should have been clearer in its political commentary, but the film isn’t interested in shoving its own view in your face.

Instead, it wants to frighten its audience by showing that regardless of the politics, the divide itself may be enough to spark catastrophe.

Also amongst the compelling cast here is Nick Offerman who plays the president of the country as it falls into ruin.

It’s quite a turn for the deadpan funnyman, who many will recognise from the sitcom Parks and Recreation.

Here Offerman is entirely different though, taking on a far more serious tone.

It’s a shame that he only has a few minutes in total on screen, but each makes for fascinating viewing.

Described as both a cautionary tale for our times and an over-the-top mess, Civil War, just like its subject matter, has split its audience. This seems to be the point though. Civil War wants to ask its viewers: what do you think?

TURNING to a different kind of war drama that’s generating talk this week, Blitz has just released on Apple TV Plus.

This film is set in the aftermath of the bombing of London and follows a nine-year-old boy named George (Elliott Heffernan), who is evacuated to the countryside.

In the wake of the devastation George embarks on a journey to get back home while his mother also desperately searches for him.

Blitz is visually stunning, boasting immaculate cinematography and acting. That’s particularly thanks to a standout performance from Saoirse Ronan (Ladybird, Little Women), who plays George’s mother.

Blitz can however fall into a frustrating case of style over substance.

It feels like the film is more interested in creating a sense of atmosphere and feeling rather than taking audiences down a fleshed-out plot.

That’s not to say the film isn’t worth watching.

It represents yet another strong addition to the Apple TV Plus’ growing drama canon.

The platform continues to humbly pump out prestige drama and TV with some of the finest directors and actors around.

This time it’s director of 12 Years A Slave Steve McQueen bringing subscribers this new period piece of Oscar bait.

It is an interesting tactic from Apple. Its streaming platform seems determined to sell itself as a quiet achiever, offering an alternative to big hitters such as Netflix and Binge by shelling out big bucks for some of the most lauded screen talent around.

Will it work?

Apple is clearly playing the long game.