WARFARE (2025)

An Iraqi War Veteran Brings His Memories to The Screen.

Grade: A+

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It may appear, at this point, that we’ve seen all there is to see when it comes to war movies. Since practically the dawn of cinema, there have been so many films that condemn war in general or pay tribute to those who fought in it. Warfare, a movie that falls mainly into the latter category, proves that it is still possible for war flicks to be horrifying and effective, and it definitely does not glorify war. Although it does contain some of what we’ve seen before, it cannot be accused of resorting to clichés because, as the poster tagline puts it, “Everything is based on memory.” These memories are organized by real-life Iraqi War veteran Ray Mendoza.

            Mendoza cowrote and codirected the film with Alex Garland, who helmed last year’s Civil War. Mendoza in the film is portrayed by D’Pharaoh Won-A-Tai as a member of Alpha One, a Navy SEAL squadron tasked with supporting the U.S. Marines in Iraq in 2006. The film opens with a rather unusual scene as the members of Alpha One cheer while watching a sexy exercise video. Their excitement is infectious and allows us to get acquainted with them without exposition. Later in the night, the team occupies a house in war-shaken Ramadi, but their position is compromised the following day. As they assess the situation, a grenade is lobbed into the house, injuring one of them. From there it is nonstop escalating terror as the SEALs fight for their lives and tend to their wounded while waiting for rescue and evac.

            The effectiveness of many war movies depends on how well they recreate the sensation of being in combat. Thanks to Mendoza’s participation, Warfare is extremely successful in this regard. There is suspense early on as the streets are cleared near the house and several civilians are seen through a sniper scope preparing to attack. Tension turns to terror when the SEAL’s evac vehicle blows up in a rather sudden and shocking explosion. Sound is the biggest tool used by Mendoza and Garland to put us in the SEALs point of view. In addition to the expected gunshots and explosions, we are also subjected to deafening radio chatter and static, as well as the agonized screams of Sam (Joseph Quinn) lying on the floor, his legs torn up and bloody. Several times the sound stops almost completely, a reflection of the dazed and shell-shocked soldiers. And, aside from the exercise video, there is no music whatsoever until the closing credits. The action speaks for itself.

            A more pretentious film might try to enhance the realism by disorienting the viewer or providing only a limited view of everything. While most of the action in the film is exclusive to the perspective of Alpha One, we are still given a good, long look at the combat as SEALs and Iraqi insurgents exchange fire and Bradley tanks blast away at nearby roofs. Garland proved his ability to direct action sequences with Civil War, and he does it to far greater effect here.

            Unlike Civil War, Warfare is not a political movie or a cautionary tale. Nor does it take time to provide a backstory for any of its characters. This does not work to the film’s detriment, however, because this is not a truly character-driven film. These SEALs all know each other and where they come from. To suddenly talk about themselves in the middle of their urgent mission would essentially stop the movie dead in its tracks; soldiers in real life wouldn’t do that, and neither do these characters. Thus, the film never breaks away from its strengths to become more than what it is: the cinematic version of a true event about a group of men fighting for their country and each other. This makes Warfare arguably one of the best war movies of recent years.

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Directors: Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland

Screenplay: Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland

Producers: Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, Matthew Penry-Davey, Peter Rice

Cast: D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Ray Mendoza), Will Poulter (Erik), Cosmo Jarvis (Elliott Miller), Charles Melton (Jake), Kit Connor (Tommy), Finn Bennett (John), Taylor John Smith (Frank), Joseph Quinn (Sam), Michael Gandolfini (USMC Lt. McDonald)

Rated: R (for intense war violence and bloody/grisly images, and language throughout)