Warfare
Runtime: 1 Hours 35 minutes
Genre: War and Drama
Rating: R
Release Date: 11 April 2025
Original Language: English
Production House: DNA Films
Distributor: A24
About: Warfare is a movie about a group of brave Navy SEALs on a mission in Iraq. They face many dangers while trying to keep each other safe. The story is based on real events and shows the importance of teamwork, courage, and helping friends during tough times.
Review:
"Warfare" (2025) Movie Review: A Gritty Story About Courage and Teamwork
Imagine a movie that feels like you’re right in the middle of a storm—loud, scary, but also full of brave people working together. Warfare is exactly that kind of movie! Directed by Alex Garland (Civil War) and real-life Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza, this film tells the true story of soldiers trapped in a dangerous mission in Iraq. It’s not a typical action movie with superheroes—it’s about real people facing tough choices and showing incredible bravery.
The Story: A Mission Gone Wrong
In 2006, a group of U.S. Navy SEALs sneaks into a building in Ramadi, Iraq, to watch for enemies. At first, everything is quiet. They wait, joke around, and try to stay calm. But soon, a grenade explodes, and chaos begins! The soldiers must fight to survive while helping their hurt friends.
The movie doesn’t explain why the soldiers are there or give them fancy backstories. Instead, it focuses on how they work as a team. Think of it like a soccer game where everyone passes the ball to protect each other, even when the score is against them.
What Makes It Special?
- Feels Real: The directors wanted the movie to feel like a true story—because it is! Ray Mendoza actually lived through this mission, so the explosions, gunfire, and teamwork are based on real memories.
- Sound That Shakes You: The sound design is crazy good! When a bomb goes off, the screen goes quiet, and you hear ringing—just like the soldiers would. Later, screams and gunfire make your heart race. It’s like being inside a video game.
- No “Good vs. Bad”: Unlike superhero movies, Warfare doesn’t show clear heroes or villains. The soldiers are scared but brave, and the enemies are just shadows. This makes the story feel raw and honest.
The Tough Parts
This movie is not for kids. It’s rated R because it shows very scary and sad moments:
- Violence: Explosions, blood, and injured soldiers. One scene shows a character’s legs badly hurt.
- Loud Noises: The sound is so intense that it might feel overwhelming, like a thunderstorm you can’t escape.
- Grown-Up Themes: Soldiers use strong language and watch a silly exercise video with people in swimsuits at the start.
But the movie doesn’t glorify war. It shows how messy and scary it is, like getting stuck in a playground fight that nobody wins.
Lessons Hidden in the Action
- Teamwork Saves Lives: The soldiers protect each other like siblings. When one gets hurt, others rush to help, even if it’s dangerous.
- Bravery Isn’t Fearless: Even heroes get scared! The soldiers shake, cry, and make mistakes, but they keep going. It’s okay to be afraid—what matters is trying your best.
- War Hurts Everyone: The movie ends with an Iraqi woman asking, “Why?” There’s no answer, reminding us that war leaves pain on all sides.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re older than 16 and curious about real-life soldier stories, Warfare is a powerful movie. It’s like a documentary but with Hollywood-level action. Parents, this is a chance to talk about bravery, teamwork, and why wars happen.
Best for: Teens and adults who want a realistic, intense war story.
Final Thought: Warfare isn’t just about fighting—it’s about friendship under fire. As one soldier says, “We don’t leave anyone behind.” That’s the heart of the movie. Just remember: war is like a storm. It’s loud, scary, and leaves everyone wet. But sometimes, you find out who your true friends are.
P.S. If you watch it, bring headphones—the sound will blow your mind! 🎧💥
Note for Parents: This movie includes intense violence and mature themes. Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 16+
Ray Mendoza
(Screenwriter)
Alex Garland
(Screenwriter)
D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai
as Ray
(Actor)
Will Poulter
as Erik
(Actor)
Cosmo Jarvis
as Elliott
(Actor)
Kit Connor
as Tommy
(Actor)
Finn Bennett
as John
(Actor)
Taylor John Smith
as Frank
(Actor)
Michael Gandolfini
as Lt. Macdonald
(Actor)
Adain Bradley
as Sgt. Laerrus
(Actor)
Noah Centineo
as Brian
(Actor)
Evan Holtzman
as Brock
(Actor)
Henry Zaga
as Aaron
(Actor)
Charles Melton
as Jake
(Actor)
Heider Ali
as Sidar
(Actor)
Nathan Altai
as Farid
(Actor)
Andrew Macdonald
(Producer)
Mathew Penry-Davey
(Producer)
Allon Reich
(Producer)
Peter Rice
(Producer)
