Film Review - Warfare

Images courtesy of A24.

Warfare was one of my most anticipated movies of the year, and it did not disappoint. Director Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Annihilation) co-directs with Ray Mendoza, following their previous collaboration on Civil War (2024). 

Warfare takes a markedly smaller scale approach to war in comparison to their recent outing and other notable films in the genre. Rather than focusing on a huge battle or a trek across the country spanning multiple states, the film instead focuses on a single Overwatch operation that takes place primarily in one building. The operation the film portrays is based on Mendoza’s experiences during the Iraq War as a U.S. Navy SEAL, along with testimonials from some of the surviving SEAL team members. 

My biggest praise for Warfare is how it throws the audience right into the operation with virtually zero build-up and backstory. From there, it expertly captures both the tactics and equipment being used by the SEALS throughout the mission. Even showing some of the monotonous details of combat missions, with the SEALS spending hours monitoring a position in a small room and staying vigilant throughout. All of this buildup expertly constructs tension for when the operation inevitably takes a turn for the worst for the SEALS. 

The film is also very effective at showing the SEALS reactions to the events and changing circumstances. Some are able to keep a level head, some struggle but do their best to keep up, and others almost completely break down. This is further emphasised through the use of slow motion which was effective the first time, but was a little overused throughout the film. 

Warfare does an incredible job of fulfilling what its creators set out to do: to present the SEALS in as authentic a way as possible, and simulate a real life combat scenario. The film doesn’t shy away at presenting the violent nature of war. But ultimately, the film isn’t focusing on trying to have a big anti-war message, or to have blockbuster worthy moments of impossible heroism. With a run time of only an hour and thirty minutes, all of it is purely dedicated to portraying the SEALS doing what they were assigned to do, and showing how this group of soldiers dealt with the changing circumstances of the mission. The sound design is expertly crafted to enhance the immersion of the film and is absolutely a must-see in theatres.    

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Warfare is screening in cinemas now.