Director Alex Garland takes on a new challenge with his latest military drama, Warfare. The film strips away the typical Hollywood plot twists and focuses on a harrowing true story from former Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza’s past. Based on the 2006 Battle of Ramadi during the Iraq War, Warfare depicts a day when things went terribly wrong for Mendoza’s unit.
Garland collaborated with Mendoza to create an unembellished portrayal of war, which is both visceral and unsettling. The film commits to capturing the dull tension that exists during battle, where soldiers spend as much time waiting around as they do fighting. This approach makes Warfare a tough pill to swallow, but one that ultimately works as cinema.
By focusing on the raw, unvarnished reality of war, Garland delivers a gripping and realistic portrayal that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. With its commitment to authenticity and attention to detail, Warfare is a must-see for fans of military dramas and those interested in the true story behind this harrowing operation.
Source: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2025/04/warfare-movie-2025-review/682422