Few genres hit harder than war films. They remind us of the stark reality of armed conflict while also exploring the raw humanity buried beneath. Classics like Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, and Apocalypse Now have set the bar for depicting the brutal nature of battle and the camaraderie forged in its trenches. Warfare, the latest addition to this genre, boldly steps into this challenging territory with a serious message of its own.
Written and directed by Iraq War veteran and now Hollywood gunfight stunt coordinator Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland (Civil War, 28 Days Later), Warfare delivers an intense, unfiltered look at modern combat. Told in real-time, the story follows a platoon of U.S. Navy SEALs on a covert surveillance mission deep inside the hostile insurgent territory of Ramadi Iraq in 2006. What begins as a routine operation quickly spirals into chaos when the team is discovered, triggering a harrowing fight for survival as the lines between mission and morality blur under relentless fire.
Rooted in Mendoza’s own experiences and based on the recollections of those who lived it, Warfare offers a glimpse into both the horrors of war and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood forged in its crucible. Playing Communications Officer Mendoza is D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (“Reservation Dogs”), with Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, Will Poulter, and others providing raw performances, that don’t just depict war; they immerse us in its relentless pace, moral ambiguity, and human cost.
Garland and Mendoza capture the exacting truth of its story with a level of authenticity seldom seen in war films. Much like Black Hawk Down, this film rejects the polished reassurance of Hollywood. Instead, grounding itself in unflinching realism, vividly portraying the chaos and unpredictability of combat. The fact that it draws directly from the memories of Mendoza and other Navy SEALs gives it a raw edge. Every gunshot, every explosion, every hushed, whispered command feels palpably real, as if we’re watching a found-footage tragedy play out in real-time.
But the heart of the film is the real story of Elliott Miller (Jarvis), whose harrowing evacuation from a fortified Ramadi apartment building serves as the core of the film. It’s an emotional anchor, paying tribute to one man’s courage while casting light on the collective bravery and trauma of his platoon. Miller’s plight humanizes the physical and psychological toll of war, turning the film into a powerful tribute to shared sacrifice.
Some may criticize Warfare for its relentless intensity, while questioning its purpose or usefulness. But for those who see its deeper mission, the film serves as a vital bridge for communication and empathy. It asks hard questions about what combat really means, not just for those on the front lines but for the society they return to. And even if this film can act as a small step toward healing for veterans struggling to share their stories, then its significance is undeniable.
Be forewarned, Warfare is not an easy film to watch, and it’s not supposed to be. Certainly not a popcorn movie. In fact, I lost my popcorn appetite about a third of the way in. It relentlessly pulls you into the heart of conflict, hitting you with every gut-wrenching minute alongside its characters. It never panders, never reassures, and never flinches. Instead, it stands boldly as a gripping exploration of courage, camaraderie, and the unbearable cost of war. War is hell!
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 95 mins
Director: Alex Garland; Ray Mendoza
Writer: Alex Garland; Ray Mendoza
Cast: D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai; Will Poulter; Cosmo Jarvis
Genre: War | Military | Action
Tagline: Everything is based on memory.
Memorable Movie Quote: "Alpha 2, we might have guys starting to move on our position."
Distributor: A24
Official Site: https://a24films.com/films/warfare
Release Date: April 11, 2025
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: A platoon of Navy SEALs embark on a dangerous mission in Ramadi, Iraq, with the chaos and brotherhood of war retold through their memories of the event.
