Warfare (2025) Film Review: Unrelenting portrait of modern combat is the best cinematic experience of the year

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November 2006. In the wake of the Battle of Ramadi during the Iraq War, a platoon of Navy SEALs embarks on a dangerous mission, with the chaos and brotherhood of war retold through the soldiers' lived-in testimonies. The film is dedicated to platoon member Elliot Miller, who lost his leg and voice during the battle.

Directors Alex Garland (Ex Machina, 2014; Civil War, 2024) and Ray Mendoza (the inspiration for the film's subject matter) craft an unflinching, visceral take on the true horrors of war, presented in real time from the title card.

From the very first scene of our ensemble cast enjoying the delightfully retro 'Call on Me' music video in the literal sense of the calm before the storm, the movie hooks and reels you in and refuses to let go for the remaining ninety minutes. The film offers a truly immersive, sensory journey that works wonders in the cinematic format, with a fierce, almost deafening sound design and often breathtaking visuals. The first hour of the movie feels like a ticking time bomb, deliberately slow in pace as we are positioned directly beside the platoon as they go about their mission and spew undiluted military jargon, creating what one would assume is an authentic, grounded representation of what it is really like when on duty.

The platoon of Navy SEALs in dangerous territory in Iraq

However, the lingering sense of dread and unease is palpable as we anticipate the worst in such a hostile situation. It is unpredictable and nail-biting, leaving you on the edge of your seat once the action kicks in and the mission takes a terrifying turn with brutal repercussions. This film is definitely not for the faint of heart due to its raw, often nauseating, portrayals of battle wounds and the sheer agony of the soldiers who scream in pain at bloodied legs or loss of limbs. Garland and Mendoza never shy away from forcing you to sit and endure the true horrors of war, with the decision to forgo a musical score emphasizing the primal terror of the situation.

The movie never feels like sensationalism for the sake of it; instead, presenting an honest picture of what it would really be like for these men, honouring those who served and continue to serve their countries. Praise must be given to the entire cast, whose real-life bonds and sense of brotherhood from filming and taking part in interviews together is translated very well into the film, with a tangible sense of camaraderie between everyone. Every actor brings their A game to their respective roles, and it is impossible not to feel empathy for them, as we, the audience, have the luxury of being able to walk away from the cinema unscathed.

Warfare can be perceived as the epitome of the anti-war film: a devastating, powerful viewing experience which takes full advantage of every filmmaking technique to make something truly special. It will leave you speechless and shaken to the core, but with a sheer sense of admiration for all those who serve and fight for what they believe in. A must see on the big screen (if you can stomach it!).

Check out the Warfare (2025) trailer below, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!