'Warfare' Delivers a Raw, Real-Time Depiction of Iraq War Combat

Co-directed by Alex Garland and Navy SEAL veteran Ray Mendoza, the film immerses viewers in the chaos and psychological toll of a single day in Ramadi, Iraq, while drawing mixed critical reactions.

The film portrays a 2006 mission in Ramadi, Iraq, following a Navy SEAL platoon trapped in a house surrounded by insurgents, unfolding in real-time to emphasize the immediacy of combat.
Praised for its immersive sound design, 'Warfare' uses audio to convey the chaos, tension, and psychological strain of war, particularly effective in premium formats like IMAX.
Critics commend the performances of D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, and Joseph Quinn, though the film's focus on authenticity limits traditional character development.
The mid-credits sequence juxtaposing real-life soldiers with their on-screen counterparts has drawn criticism for undermining the film's tone and immersive experience.
While lauded for its raw realism, the film faces criticism for its lack of political or historical context, leaving audiences to grapple with its themes and implications independently.