The Wasteland Reviewer

Warfare (2025) Written Review

How can the world of cinema continue to offer war films that feel more and more authentic with each passing year? The real first benchmark of war in cinema was Saving Private Ryan. The opening sequence on Omaha Beach was long considered the most visceral and poignant looks at warfare on screen. The shell-shocked, the brutality, and the chaotic atmosphere. Steven Spielberg captures something incredible. But now Alex Garland and Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza up the ante with their new collaboration, Warfare. Ramadi, Iraq. Disaster. Daring rescue. This is all realized from the memories of the soldiers who were there and had to work together to escape the chaos of this terrifying situation. 

How do Mendoza and Garland make this film so engrossing and authentic? First off, the staging, stunts, and choreography of this whole operation is precise, detailed, and authentic. The experience and knowledge that Mendoza brings to the table is invaluable and helps craft such an engrossing and real experience. The sound design in this film is also next level. There is an incredible variety and collection of sound manipulations that makes this a fully immersive experience. The impact of explosions and gunfire will leave you shaken in your seat. Those sounds might even send you leaping from your seat. The use of sound design to express concussions and PTSD is so impactful with the sound completely disappearing with the ambient ringing. But then there are moments when all the sounds are heightened (including the radios) that are the opposite technically but deliver the same disorienting effect. The screaming…the screams just don’t stop. There are even some cool drone camera moments that had a whole new dimension to the visual experience. The cinematography, in general, is striking and engrossing.  Watching this on IMAX is a next level experience. 

How about the screenplay from Mendoza and Garland? This film feels so real and authentic. The dialogue is precise and authentic to how soldiers communicate. There are also some small moments to show the humor and playful dynamics that some of the soldiers share. From the unexpected opening sequence, we feel the connection between this group through a fun and timely music choice. The story is told in a lean, efficient, and propulsive way. The story never lets up as there is always something going on to engage the characters as well as the audience. You have the feeling of being a fly on the wall as the audience follows along through this dangerous mission that quickly goes awry. The way the script injects subtle and important character elements into their chaotic situations builds the connection to these soldiers. But Mendoza and Garland do not let the greater conflict in Iraq off the hook. We see the sobering impact the US military had on the civilians of Iraq. The final moments of the film are quite harrowing due to the destruction we (the United States military) leave in our wake. Warfare doesn’t need to scream its themes and ideas at the top of its lungs. The film makes you feel them in the heat of the moment instead. 

How does the cast elevate this cinematic experience even more? The overall ensemble just feels so cohesive and authentic. Despite recognizable faces, you would wholly expect this to be a whole crew of actual soldiers recreating their own mission. Every single one of the performers nails their role perfectly. D’Pharoah Woon-A-Tai is the emotional anchor as “Ray” who must step up to take care of his horrifically injured brothers in arms. Will Poulter displays great presence and leadership while shifting into great pain and disorientation post attack. Cosmo Jarvis and Joseph Quinn each must sell complete anguish and suffering, and they just might do it too well. Charles Melton steps up into a leadership role with a strong presence in context and on screen. Michael Gandolfini gets to show plenty of personality as one of the more shaken and bumbling members of the platoon. Whether they are portraying complete fear or over confidence and dangerous arrogance, these actors are selling every bit of their roles. 

Is Warfare the must-see film of the year so far? This is a towering achievement of technical craft. This ensemble cast is stellar as they make the audience feel every bit of fear, pain, and anxiety along the way. The story is lean, mean, and poignant for sure. But this is not a film for those easily shaken. The practical effects are gnarly and uncomfortably authentic. This is one of the most stressful cinematic experiences you will ever have. The intensity is unmatched. Visceral and enthralling from start to finish. This new era of Garland’s career is thriving quite well.