Tue Dec 30 08:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

Florencia, a Movies & TV writer for CBR, reports on the success of A24’s dystopian action thriller “Civil War.” Despite mixed reviews from critics and audiences, the film, starring Kirsten Dunst, has become a box office success and a quiet streaming hit on HBO Max. The film follows war journalists navigating a fractured America. While critics praise its cautionary message and horror elements, some find it lacking political depth. User reviews are similarly divided, but the film’s popularity on HBO Max speaks to its broad appeal.

News Article:

A24’s “Civil War” Quietly Dominates HBO Max Despite Divisive Reviews

LOS ANGELES, CA – A24’s dystopian thriller “Civil War,” starring Kirsten Dunst, is making waves on HBO Max, currently holding the second most-watched movie spot in the U.S., according to FlixPatrol data. This comes despite a spectrum of reviews, with critics and audiences offering differing opinions on the film’s merits.

“Civil War,” directed by Alex Garland, depicts a near-future America torn apart by conflict, following a group of journalists as they navigate the dangerous landscape from New York City to Washington, D.C. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Nick Offerman.

While the film was a box office success, grossing over $127 million worldwide, its critical reception has been mixed. Rotten Tomatoes gives it an 81% Certified Fresh rating, while the audience score sits at 69%. Critics have lauded the film’s cautionary tale and unsettling depiction of a society on the brink. However, some have criticized its lack of political specificity.

Similarly, user reviews on IMDb and Metacritic reflect this divide, with some praising the film’s visceral portrayal of conflict and others finding it a “missed opportunity” lacking depth.

Despite the mixed reception, “Civil War” has clearly struck a chord with viewers, solidifying its place as a streaming hit. The film is currently available for streaming on HBO Max in the United States.

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