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.

Review

From the gut-wrenching clatter of a grenade on a bedroom floor, ‘Warfare’ grips you and refuses to let go. The film boasts a stacked cast, ironically featuring phenomenal British actors delivering powerful performances as American soldiers in the Iraq War. What sets this film apart is its unflinchingly realistic portrayal of combat, arguably one of the most authentic depictions ever captured. With truly gifted sound design and a contact flow of adrenaline pumping action, I was left buzzing for hours afterward. ‘Warfare’ is a special cinematic experience – intense, yes, but utterly worth it, and delivered with palpable respect for those who serve. Complemented by gritty and realistic cinematography and uncompromising acting, it’s the kind of film that stays with you long after the credits roll. 

Jeff’s Grade – A

Review

There’s a masculine energy that permeates the entire film of Warfare, co-written and co-directed by Alex Garland (behind last year’s underrated Civil War and 2018’s supremely underrated Annihilation). His co-writer/director is Ray Mendoza a former Navy Seal who lived through the events in the movie, played by Emmy-nominee D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai (Reservation Dogs). From the opening approach to the explosive ending, the film plays out in real time and tracks a mission gone wrong for these Navy Seals embedded with an Army unit in Iraq. It’s an exhilarating ride and reinforces just how much these young men suffer through on our behalf. A great, engaging film.

Jonathan’s Grade – A