When the Reality of War is Shown Unfiltered
Who likes war movies but is tired of stories that are too dramatic and full of glorification? Well, Warfare might be the answer you’re looking for. The film has a rating of 7.4/10 from 42,000 viewers on IMDb. Directed by Ray Mendoza—a former member of the US Navy SEALs—alongside Alex Garland, known for Ex Machina and Civil War. Released on March 16, 2025, this 1 hour 35-minute film stars top actors like Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Charles Melton, Kit Connor, and D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai. What makes the film even more “alive” is that the plot is based directly on Mendoza’s real-life experiences while serving in Iraq, particularly in the Ramadi area, in 2006.
So, this film doesn’t give you a heroic, cheerful story. Instead, Warfare presents a raw portrayal of the harsh and brutal nature of the battlefield. There’s no sugarcoating or embellishment in the film; instead, it highlights the real psychological and physical toll on soldiers on the ground. This film doesn’t just keep you on the edge of your seat; it also makes you think: is war really worth it? After watching it, we all agree that war only leaves wounds for everyone involved.
A Simple Story That Really Hits Home
The story itself focuses on a team of soldiers called Alpha One. There’s Sergeant Erik (Poulter), Mendoza (Woon-A-Tai), Elliot (Jarvis), Sam (Quinn), Tommy (Connor), and Frank (Smith). They are tasked with securing a strategic position in Ramadi. During their mission, they temporarily take over a civilian’s house to use as a base camp. At first, everything seems safe, but tensions rise when a jihadist group attacks. Elliot and Sam are severely injured. The situation becomes even more dire due to the difficult evacuation process—attacks continue nonstop. Amid the chaos, Commander Erik even handed over responsibility to another team led by Jake (Melton). Fortunately, they managed to escape while evacuating the wounded from the battlefield.
What sets Warfare apart from other war films is its storytelling approach. Garland and Mendoza don’t bother with complex character backgrounds. Their focus is on real-time, high-pressure moments. So the audience feels like they’re truly immersed in those moments, experiencing the chaos firsthand without needing to know much about the characters’ pasts. This film isn’t about who’s the villain and who’s the hero. All the characters are portrayed as ordinary people—capable of panic, fear, and even making mistakes.
Visuals and Atmosphere That Feel Very Real
Visually, Warfare is a winner! Cinematographer David J. Thompson successfully captures the chaotic and brutal atmosphere of war through handheld cameras and narrow angles that make you feel suffocated and tense. The weapons, explosion effects, blood, and even the shattered bodies all feel incredibly realistic. Even the Iraqi-style housing sets are meticulously crafted, making you feel like you’re truly there. The actors are fully committed to their roles as soldiers, with their expressions and gestures making you feel the tension alongside them.
There are a few small scenes that actually become the film’s strong points. For example, when they panic while grabbing supplies during an attack, accidentally injecting morphine, or tripping because they’re in a hurry—all of these add to the sense of realism and show how chaotic and unpredictable the war situation is.
Sounds That Give You Chills
Like Garland’s other films, the sound design in Warfare is no joke. The explosions, gunfire, screams, and even the sound of fighter jets are crafted to make you truly “feel” the war, not just see it. This sound design is a crucial element that keeps the film’s tension high from start to finish.
Warfare isn’t just your average war movie. It’s an honest, raw, and thought-provoking cinematic experience. With its realistic approach and minimal dramatic embellishments, the film successfully immerses us in the harsh realities of the battlefield through a perspective rarely explored. Especially in today’s heated global climate, this film serves as a harsh wake-up call for us all—war is real, brutal, and pointless.
If you’re looking for an intense, realistic, and thought-provoking film, Warfare is a must-watch this year!
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