Warfare

In 2006, during the aftermath of the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, a platoon of Navy SEALs embark on a dangerous mission. Suddenly, all heck breaks loose. The group takes cover in a two-story building. They send a distress signal for a second team to arrive. All they can do is survive. Nineteen Years Later, one of the survivors, Ray Mendoza collaborated with Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Sunshine Annihilation) to make a film based on the former’s experience. Other survivors acted as consultants teaching the actors to portray accurate Navy SEALs.

“Warfare” premiered at the Music Box Theatre on March 16, 2025 and later given a national release on April 11. The film earned praise from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to good reviews, the film was a modest box office success. Now that it’s Awards Season, I’m gonna watch several films from the past months I didn’t get a chance to see in theaters starting with Warfare.

Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving you fellas a chance to see this gem.

Victory & Defeat Aspects

Victory: Joseph Quinn, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Michael Gandolfini (James Gandolfini’s real life son) and the rest of the cast all did an excellent job for their respective performances.

Alex Garland and Iraq War veteran, Ray Mendoza co-directed and co-wrote the film together.

Random Thoughts

First time I heard about Warfare was Angry Joe and his pals, Other Joe & Alex discussing it on a review. They gave it a 9/10.
Again, I didn’t see a ton of movies from the past months. I’ve been very selective. I forgot to mentioned, I’ve been watching a ton of anime including “Kaiju No. 8” & “Shangri-La Frontier.”

Combat Scenes are raw and intense. The survivors actually taught the cast to recapture authentic combat.

Cinematography’s shot in stable condition.

Chemistry between the Navy SEALs serve as the main highlight.

Second Half’s the best part. That’s when the stakes drastically increase.

Sound Design’s Class A. When I put my headphones on laptop watching the film, made it look like I was with the group. I heard a crack on a wall and a loud burst coming from a jet flying near the ground.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking explosions, guns galore, six pack abs and an epic soundtrack, this isn’t your type of war movie. Don’t expect any of this like a Michael Bay flick. This is a realistic depiction of war based on real life.

Opening Scene with the Navy SEALs watching a music video dancing and singing. A fun moment for them before they embark on a dangerous mission. A point of no return. They may or may not make it out. Just something for them to enjoy one last time.

Before the End Credits roll, photographs and behind-the-scenes footage of the actual veterans visiting on set. Most of the survivors blurred their faces and requested the producers to change their names in the film in order to protect their identities.

Defeat: There’s one drawback. First Half’s a slow burn. Second Half gets better.

The Final Verdict: A-

Warfare isn’t quite the number one film of 2025. It’s a near-perfect recreation of Navy SEALs enduring the aftermath of the Battle of Ramadi. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great film. If you’re curious to watch a unique war film, stream it on HBO Max.