Director: Alex Garland, Ray Mendoza
Cast: Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, Charles Melton, Noah Centineo, Taylor John Smith, Finn Bennet.

Release in Belgium: 9/04/2025
Duration: 95 min

Warfare is a brutally realistic war film in which Alex Garland once again showcases his talent for creating raw and authentic portrayals of war. The film is entirely based on the memories of those who were actually present during the events.
Co-director Ray Mendoza himself took part in the mission, which adds an extra layer of realism to the production.

The Story

Warfare is set during the Iraq War, in March 2006. It tells the true story of a group of Navy SEAL snipers. The film follows them as they seize an Iraqi house, only to become trapped there during a high-risk U.S. Marines operation.

Warfare offers a harrowing look into just a few hours of this mission — the despair, pain, and suffering of these soldiers are depicted with unflinching intensity.

Conclusion

This film cuts deep. It’s an unrelenting and visceral experience, and honestly, it couldn’t have lasted any longer, it’s already incredibly hard to watch. The explicit scenes of violence are certainly not for everyone.

Warfare is not a sensationalized story with dramatic subplots, but rather a stark and honest glimpse into a few hours of a real mission, reconstructed from the memories of those who lived through it.

This dark chapter of American history is not only suffocatingly intense and deeply moving to watch, but it also forces you to reflect on the brutality and futility of modern warfare.

Rating: 9

Text: Esmeralda Wolf