Critics Have Seen Warfare, And They’ve Got Strong Feelings About The ‘Too Messy’ And ‘Too Real’ Depictions Of Combat

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A year following the portrayal of a terrifying dystopian reality in “Civil War” by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, this dynamic duo returns for the 2025 film lineup with a new project that’s grounded in real-life events. Titled “Warfare“, the movie centers around a Navy SEAL team during a mission in 2006, amidst the Iraq War. This gripping tale is inspired by Mendoza’s personal experiences, and early screenings have provoked intense emotional responses. As critics have had some time to reflect on “Warfare“, let’s explore their thoughts.

Alex Garland’s film titled “Warfare” showcases a talented group of actors like D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (as Ray Mendoza), Will Poulter, Kit Connor, Joseph Quinn, and Charles Melton. These performers are portraying a tense mission in near real-time, creating a palpable sense of urgency. In the review for “Warfare” by TopMob’s Eric Eisenberg, he awarded the movie 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as an “extraordinary production” due to its remarkable authenticity. To quote him directly:

This 94-minute experience grips you tightly without letup, keeping you on the edge of your seat in anticipation, fearful of what might unfold next. It refrains from softening the harshness of reality and avoids the typical movie tropes like simplistic dialogue, dramatic plot twists, or carefully crafted character progressions.

In my opinion as a movie critic, David Rooney of THR remarks that Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland have constructed an extraordinary, groundbreaking portrayal of combat that’s hard to tear your eyes away from. This film, titled Warfare, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with other gripping war dramas such as The Hurt Locker and Black Hawk Down.

In this scenario, the characters’ personal details are limited to their actions during tense situations. There’s no exaggerated bravado, no mention of loved ones, no glorification of war or political speeches, no nationalistic cheers, and no background stories. Instead, we see raw emotions – fear, pain, courage, determination, adrenaline, and confusion as the chaos intensifies, often with poor visibility. Despite the realism and lack of movie-like camaraderie displays, the strong bond between these men is always palpable.

Contrasting the above reviewer who sees the movie as akin to top-tier war films, Jacob Hall from SlashFilm’s assessment suggests that this newest production surpasses all comparisons. Interestingly, he describes it as intentionally the least thrilling war film, portraying a task that starts off mundane and then becomes horrifying. Hall rates it 8 out of 10, expressing in his write-up: “It’s a unique and captivating cinematic experience.

Warfare, directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, is unlike any other war film as it primarily aims to confuse and unsettle rather than tell a story. Unlike traditional films, this one lacks a narrative, characters, or character development; instead, it offers an immersive, raw experience of plunging into the chaos and horror of a real battlefield. The movie refrains from any inspiring moments or passing judgment, instead thrusting viewers into the smoke and filth, challenging them to confront their personal responses to the intense, brutal violence portrayed.

According to Eric Goldman from IGN, he gives this movie an impressive 8 out of 10. He notes that the film masterfully immerses viewers in the heat of battle, creating sensations of fear and anxiety akin to those experienced in the scariest horror films. Goldman further praises:

An intense, impactful portrayal, Warfare skillfully plunges us into a tense, compact span of monitoring and battle. A talented ensemble of up-and-coming actors convincingly depict their characters’ blended emotions of fear and resolve, while exceptional sound design significantly boosts the immersive experience by offering a glimpse into the harrowing and disorienting nature of such combat encounters.

Not all critics shared the same level of emotional engagement with the action as those mentioned previously. Owen Gleiberman from Variety contends that while Warfare is a well-crafted movie, it fails to depict the profound essence of war in an original manner. By sacrificing cinematic thrill for authenticity, viewers find themselves disconnected. The critic further notes:

The depiction of conflict in this work appears to offer an engaging, immersive experience, yet I found myself not fully immersed. As I watched it, I felt both engrossed and distanced simultaneously. Unlike traditional war films, this one seems to lack many elements that typically draw us in – for example, it fails to develop its soldier characters as fully realized personalities.

Regardless of your choice, the film titled “Warfare” promises a thrilling, nail-biting cinematic journey. If you’re intrigued and wish to witness this new production by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, mark your calendars for its release on the big screen, which is scheduled for Friday, April 11.

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2025-03-28 18:37