As of Sunday (April 21), “Empire Apocalypse: American Civil War,” despite being in its second week of release, remained at the top of the North American weekend box office, surpassing three new releases. However, the film’s decision to screen during an election year in the United States has been criticized as irresponsible. The director explained that the movie focuses on issues within the news industry and corruption.
Directed by Alex Garland, “Empire Apocalypse: American Civil War” grossed $11.1 million in its second weekend in North America, with a global box office revenue of $49.5 million. It outperformed the newly released films “The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” “SPY×FAMILY CODE: White,” and “Abigail.”
However, according to reports from foreign media, the independent film company A24’s production of “American Civil War” has faced continual negative backlash in North America. A24’s new AI-generated advertising posters were heavily criticized by netizens. With the upcoming U.S. presidential election adding to the social and political tensions in the country, A24’s decision to release a film set against the backdrop of the American Civil War has led to criticism of its perceived irresponsibility, making it one of the most controversial films in recent months.
Regarding the criticisms, Garland explained his stance on the historical backdrop of “American Civil War” to Vulture magazine, stating, “Honestly, about this issue, I don’t know whether it’s responsible or irresponsible because I would have to know many things I don’t know to answer that kind of question.”
The director believes that his perspective on the responsibility issue is entirely opposite, stating, “But there’s another version, which is what are the consequences of not speaking? What are the consequences of silence, either your own silence or the silence of others?”
Set in the near future, the film’s story unfolds under the rule of a president about to be elected for a third term, turning the country into a dictatorship. “Spider-Man” actress Kirsten Dunst portrays seasoned war correspondent “Lee,” who plans to journey through the war-torn U.S. to reach the White House.
Garland pointed out to the magazine that his film aims to remind the audience of two things: the importance of journalism and the rise of populism leading to extreme divisions. He emphasized the critical role of journalists and the need for a trustworthy and free media landscape, as the mainstream media’s credibility continues to decline among the public.
Garland expressed his concerns, saying, “I’m over 50. When I was a kid, if there was a bit of news in a broadsheet about a corrupt or lying politician, regardless of whether you read that paper, it would have had a massive impact. That could end someone’s career. That world has disappeared.”
Alongside “Empire Apocalypse: American Civil War,” the new North American film “SPY×FAMILY CODE: White” took the fifth spot with an opening revenue of $4.9 million. “The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare” garnered $9 million in its North American debut, ranking fourth. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” held the third spot in its fourth week of release in North America, with a $9.5 million weekend revenue and a global total of $485 million.
“The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare” received a 73% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, with a high audience rating of 94%. On CinemaScore, an audience polling site, it received an “A-” rating. “SPY×FAMILY CODE: White” earned a high score of 96% among critics and 99% among audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, with an “A” rating on CinemaScore.