Alex Garland’s newest movie Civil War brings an intense thrill to screens everywhere. Set in a fictional United States following the outbreak of a civil war, it follows Kirsten Dunst and Wagner Moura who are in a race against time to reach the White House for an exclusive with a soon to be deposed POTUS. 

I was very hyped for this movie when I first heard about it as the topic of “civil war” becomes more and more frequent in the digital discourse. Though I’m not confident that a generation of people raised on delivery apps will take up arms, it is a thought provoking exercise to picture a fractured America. 

The movie opens with archival footage mostly pulled from the past decade of social media coverage of various flashpoints from our own timeline. My eyes were assaulted with the harsh reminder that our own world isn’t so distant from the one Garland is beginning to lay the foundation of. It’s like being served an amuse bouche of vinegar before being offered the wine list. 

From there, we open on a crowded blockade somewhere in Manhattan. Crowds anxiously push against riot police as water is distributed, creating a melee of noise and violence. On the periphery, our eyes meet Lee (Dunst) and Joel (Moura), arriving on the scene to cover the disruption. 

As the fracas ensues, a young photographer, Jesse (played by Cailee Spaeny), attempts to get stuck in and snap some lasting images of the moment. Before Lee can intervene, a woman wielding a large American Flag and backpack storms into the crowd, setting off a bomb. Welcome to your fresh hell, America. 

From there, the characters group up at the local press club where they set the plan in motion with Sammy (Stephen Mckinley), a geriatric reporter who feels he’s still in the fight in spite of his deteriorating condition. These four form the motley crue tasked with traversing the eastern seaboard by way of Pennsylvania to reach the White House. 

Production Value

It’s one of my favorites of the year so far. Civil War succeeds in creating haunting postcards of an America not ravaged by a virus or thermonuclear war, but rather a wasteland of our own creation. Hats off to Garland and his DP Rob Hardy for creating striking frames bound to send a chill down your spine. The sound design engineered by Glenn Fremantle is second to none, and at points during the final assault It felt as if those assault rifles were in the cineplex with me. 

Narrative

I disagree with the discourse that the movie is apolitical. I think it outlines pretty clearly who we are supposed to perceive as the “bad guys” and who are supposed to be the “good guys”. The message was about journalism on the surface, but beneath that veneer is a clear shot at apathy and passiveness. 

Final Thoughts

Civil War by Alex Garland is a visual and auditory feast for movie goers. With a well paced plot and one of a kind set pieces, it has a potential to be a “underrated gem” in a few years. Until then, this may miss its audience- just a little too close to reality for some to handle, I’m afraid. 

How do you reprogram your brain and break the addiction to lack and a feeling of failure?

This fantastic video encourages a mindset that can help you reach potential and create a future of abundance and generosity.

Discover more about the “Stripper Index” and why the worlds oldest profession may be a bellwether industry.

Adult entertainers note that visits to strip clubs are discretionary spending and one of the first expenses to get cut when budgets tighten. In recessions people are dedicating more of their earns to things they need like food, fuel, and housing.

Adult entertainers maybe be the first to spot a market correction. Plus, they meet people they can’t mention and hear things they can’t talk about. They have clients in high places.

From Chit Chat Coffee’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte to Kaz the Soba Place’s Authentic Flavors.

Sawtelle is a bustling neighborhood neatly tucked between the academic hub of UCLA in Westwood and the famed sandy beaches of Santa Monica. Here you can find restaurants and cafes ranging from the latest social media fads to decades old generational haunts. As a west LA resident, here are my top five hidden gems in Sawtelle, CA.

5. Chit Chat Coffee

Most locals in the area will probably insist on getting their caffeine fix from 10 speed or one of the Starbucks on Santa Monica Blvd, but Chit Chat has them beat both in atmosphere and selection. For drinks, you can’t go wrong with their specialty Cinnamon Toast Crunch Latte, combining a traditional Latte with the sweet tooth inducing cinnamon sugar of a childhood favorite. For food, their pastries are to die for but their breakfast burritos are sneakily one of the tastiest options in the area and surprisingly affordable.

4. Melo Melo

On the corner of La Grange and Sawtelle blvd is a hotpot restaurant, but right next door is an adorable bakery featuring some tasty and (personally) underappreciated coconut treats. At Melo Melo, you can find a wide spread of tasty desserts ranging from Nutella matcha to coconut vanilla, there is something for everyone. 

3. Nijiya Supermarket

Technically this is not a restaurant, but to me it is a great hidden gem for a quick bite on the move. While your friends are waiting for 45 minutes to get a table at Hide, you can sneak down to Nijiya and sample some of the best quality sushi in Sawtelle with virtually 0 lines. They have a complete cold prepared food section with all kinds of sushi, as well as a full aisle of difficult to procure japanese snacks. It’s a unique experience without the hassle of waiting- check it out!

2. Lady M Bakery

We covered sweets once in this list already, but Lady M has a special place in my heart. This is a NY based bakery and their west coast spot in Sawtelle doesn’t miss a beat- they have some really amazing cakes. They have more classic selections such as dark chocolate cake with mousse shavings, however my go to is their green tea mille cake. 

1. Kaz the Soba Place

Tucked between two of the busiest spots on the boulevard is this unassuming soba shop. If you are sick of eating the same heavy and salty ramen/udon, definitely check this place out. Their soba noodles are made in house giving it an authentic Japanese flair, and their broths are incredibly satisfying. Not to mention their tempura is to die for- the jumbo shrimp are as big as my forearm!

MMM Team

Are aesthetic fillers linked to a higher risk of cancer?

Dermal fillers now have been implicated in causing cancer. I review what the data is, the lymph flow blockage and what you should do now if you have facial filler in your face. Dermal fillers are very popular globally although all natural solutions are gaining traction and all natural or mostly natural biostimulators are most popular for 2024 and beyond.

Patients also much chose between face lifts and fillers due to fillers causing changes to tissue, which once altered can’t support surgery.

Don’t chase aging with fillers. It should be done sparingly.