In Alex Garland’s 2024 dystopian film Civil War, Lee, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, makes a poignant decision to delete a single crucial photo amid the chaos of a fractured America. Set in a near-future scenario where 19 states have seceded from the Union, Civil War explores a divided nation with new alliances and conflicts, including a showdown between the Florida Alliance and the Loyalist state of South Carolina, culminating in a dramatic climax in Washington, D.C.

Produced by A24, Civil War represents a significant departure for the studio known for its independent films, marking its foray into the action blockbuster genre with a budget of around $50 million. The film has been a box office hit, earning $122.6 million worldwide and receiving a Certified Fresh score of 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of A24’s highest-grossing releases.

In the film, Lee, alongside characters played by Jesse Plemons and Nick Offerman, embarks on a journey to D.C. to confront the film’s antagonist, Offerman’s tyrannical President. During a conversation with Sammy, played by Cailee Spaeny, Lee reveals her disillusionment with photojournalism and her initial hope of making a difference through her work.

After Sammy is tragically shot and killed, Lee takes a photograph of him but later decides to delete it. This act of deleting the photo, her only instance of doing so in the film, signifies her deep respect and emotional connection to Sammy. Despite her earlier blunt response to Jessie about taking photos of the deceased, Lee’s decision reflects her struggle with the dehumanizing aspects of her profession and her refusal to reduce her dear friend to a mere image.

This moment underscores Lee’s internal conflict between her professional duties and her personal values, providing a poignant commentary on the emotional toll of war photography and the human cost of the dystopian world depicted in Civil War.