A Groundbreaking Exploration of Modern Warfare: “Warfare”
**Prepare for an experience like no other!** The gripping new combat film “Warfare,” directed by the visionary Alex Garland alongside combat veteran Ray Mendoza, immerses viewers in the stark realities of modern warfare, delivering an emotional and visceral portrait that will leave audiences trembling.
More Than Just a War Film
“Warfare” is not your typical war movie. This **intensely harrowing film** thrusts viewers into the heart of a chaotic firefight in Iraq, where a group of American soldiers faces the harrowing intensity of combat in 2006. From the very first scene, **Garland** and **Mendoza** instill a powerful sense of dread, enhanced by **Glenn Freemantle’s** immersive sound design that echoes in your ears long after the credits roll. The chilling sounds of agony and chaos make up the backdrop of this unforgettable journey.
Meet the Soldiers
While we see the camaraderie among the soldiers, including memorable performances by **D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai** as Mendoza and **Cosmo Jarvis**, the film refrains from exploring their backstories in depth. Instead, they emerge as **faceless grunts**—a deliberate artistic choice that emphasizes the anonymity and horror of war. Viewers must engage deeply and draw their own conclusions about these brave men tasked with confronting the abyss of conflict.
When Every Choice Matters
As the troops occupy a seemingly abandoned residential building, tension mounts. **Garland’s** sharp writing skillfully captures the precarious nature of making life-and-death decisions in an environment fraught with uncertainty. The pivotal question arises: **is the man on the balcony a threat**, or are they merely seeing shadows in the fog of war? These nuances underscore the fragile line soldiers walk between caution and recklessness.
Within moments, the tranquility shatters—**the soldiers’ compound is attacked.** Gunfire erupts, as IEDs explode and **chaos unfolds** around them. The film brilliantly captures individual moments of horror and heartbreak, with each explosion resonating with an overwhelming sense of loss and despair.
A Distillation of Horror
“Warfare” stands out not merely for its visual authenticity but also for its thoughtful construction. As the sound fades dramatically during explosive events, viewers can almost feel the ringing in their ears—a masterful touch that heightens the emotional weight of the film. The immersion is so complete that you may just exit the theater grappling with the reality of what you have witnessed.
Artistry in the Midst of Atrocity
Garland’s artistry often lies in confronting uncomfortable themes, whether it’s environmental collapse or the pitfalls of technology. In “Warfare,” he strips everything down to the raw essence of **war’s brutality**, leaving viewers to grapple with the ambiguous legacy of human conflict. The final moments teasingly juxtapose the film’s real-life inspiration, featuring blurred images of actual soldiers alongside their portrayed counterparts—a step that some may find poignant while others might deem self-congratulatory.
‘Warfare’
GRADE: A-
**Rated R:** for intense war violence, bloody and grisly images, and strong language throughout.
**Running time**: 95 minutes
**In theaters now!**
For a deeper dive into the themes explored in “Warfare,” check out our other articles on [the impact of war in cinema](https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2019/05/war-movies-military-complex/587898/) and the challenges faced by returning soldiers in society.
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