'Warfare' Movie Review: A Raw and Relentless Journey into Modern Combat

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There’s a moment early in Warfare where the camera simply doesn’t blink. The chaos of combat erupts without warning, and we’re thrown headfirst into a nightmare with no escape route. That feeling never lets up throughout this stunning new film by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza—and that’s precisely what makes it so powerful.

Warfare Movie Trailer

Warfare Movie Review: What I Liked and Didn’t Like

The sound design in Warfare is unlike anything I’ve experienced in a theater (and arguably one of my favorite parts of the film). Every gunshot, explosion, and panicked breath feels terrifyingly real and raw. Critics have called it “probably the loudest movie” they’ve ever seen, and I have to agree – at least in recent times. When bullets tear through walls, you feel them in your chest. This isn’t just technical skill—it’s emotional immersion.

The film’s commitment to realism is both its greatest strength and occasional weakness. Garland and Mendoza refuse to hold our hands through the chaos, which makes for an authentic but sometimes disorienting experience. The lack of traditional character development might leave some viewers feeling disconnected, but I found it refreshingly honest. War doesn’t pause for backstories.

What bothered me was the occasional sense that we’re seeing nothing new. If you’ve watched Garland’s Civil War, some of the stylistic choices feel familiar. However, Mendoza’s personal experience as a Navy SEAL brings a level of authenticity that ultimately elevates the material beyond simple retelling.

The Story

Set in Iraq in 2006, Warfare follows a platoon of Navy SEALs who become trapped in an Iraqi family’s home during a mission gone wrong. The film unfolds over 95 tense minutes in real-time, with virtually no breaks from the claustrophobic setting.

The story doesn’t concern itself with the politics of the Iraq War. Instead, it focuses exclusively on the moment-to-moment experience of combat. This approach might frustrate viewers looking for commentary on the conflict, but it creates a visceral portrait of survival that goes beyond political viewpoints.

What makes the narrative unique is its basis in Mendoza’s actual experiences. This “forensic retelling of real events” gives the film an almost documentary-like quality that sets it apart from Hollywood’s typical war stories. The script smartly avoids romanticizing the situation or the soldiers, presenting combat as the chaotic, terrifying mess it truly is.

The Acting

The young ensemble cast deserves every bit of praise they’ve received. Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, Charles Melton, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, and Cosmo Jarvis deliver performances that feel lived-in rather than acted.

And what’s remarkable is how the actors communicate volumes without relying on traditional dialogue. Their performances feel lived-in rather than rehearsed, with a silent language of glances, gestures, and tactical commands creating a believable bond between characters. You can sense their shared experience and trust developing throughout the film.

A little bit of a tangent here – I was fortunate enough to attend a post-screening Q&A with director Ray Mendoza, actor Kit Conner, and Veteran and military consultant Brian “Shipwreck” Philpo. Kit spoke a bit about how he prepared for the role of Tommy. Take a look below. (The audio is a little low – just a heads up. I blame my iPhone.)

Overall Thoughts

Warfare isn’t trying to be a comfortable viewing experience, and that’s exactly why it succeeds. By prioritizing authenticity over entertainment, the film ends up being political without being preachy. It’s visceral without being exploitative. It doesn’t glorify war or take simplistic moral positions. Instead, it places us in the boots of those experiencing combat firsthand, leaving us to draw our own conclusions.

Is it enjoyable? That’s the wrong question. Warfare aims to create understanding rather than entertainment. For viewers seeking an authentic portrayal of modern combat, Warfare delivers an experience that will stay with you long after leaving the theater. It’s brutal, unflinching, and technically brilliant. Just don’t expect to walk away feeling good—expect to walk away feeling changed.

One last note. See this on the biggest, loudest screen you can find. The immersive sound design alone makes it worth the price of admission.