Despite online debate around the film, some critics wrote in their reviews that they felt Garland was almost too vague about the film’s politics. 

Viewers are left wondering what actually led up to the Civil War. They are only provided small hints at what may have happened — like a remark made in passing by one of the journalists that the president had disbanded the FBI.

The film’s distributor A24 — which reportedly spent $50 million to make the film — appears to be leaning heavily into a marketing campaign surrounding political discourse. 

In one Instagram post promoting the film, the studio asks viewers to “pledge” their allegiance, showing a map of the fictional futuristic America.

In another Instagram post, A24 encourages viewers to upload a selfie and a line answering the question “What kind of American are you?” The post refers to a jarring scene in the film in which an armed character in military dress played by Jesse Plemons poses the question to the group of journalists as he holds them at gunpoint on the side of a road.  

The film’s main poster shows people with guns at the top of the Statue of Liberty pointing in opposite directions. 

A24, which has become known for its quirky film-related merch, is also selling shirts with its signature logo but in green and featuring outlines of soldiers.

At a screening event held at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles in early April, Garland preferred to let the film speak for itself. 

“I’m not going to introduce the film because … there’s nothing really to say about it,” he said in brief remarks before introducing the cast. “I hope you find it interesting.” 

The crowd — a mix of Hollywood A-listers, reporters and others in the entertainment industry — applauded the end of the film, which showcases the journalists achieving their goal: getting the final quote.