Review: Warfare - Is this war movie worth watching?

Warfare is an American film that officially premiered in Brazilian theaters on April 17, 2025, and became available on Prime Video on June 15. It was written and directed by Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland (director of Men and Ex Machina) and produced by A24 studios.

The movie is based on the memories of soldiers who served on the front lines in Iraq in 2006 and stars Joseph Quinn, Cosmo Jarvis, Will Poulter, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Charles Melton, Kit Connor, and Noah Centineo.

A group of U.S. Marines gets caught in an intense firefight with Iraqi guerrilla forces. They take cover in a house located in a province controlled by Al-Qaeda forces, monitoring the streets and preparing for a counterstrike.

When a grenade unexpectedly detonates inside their hideout, chaos unfolds, and evacuation becomes their top priority and most challenging goal. As they await rescue, the intense firefight brings casualties and injuries, leaving behind destruction and lasting scars.

Official Trailer

The movie is a tribute to Elliott Miller, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis. A war veteran who lived through the episode depicted in the film and survived, despite sustaining injuries that cost him his memory of the incident. The film meticulously and authentically recreates the event, aiming to honor the soldiers involved and help Miller piece together what he and his comrades endured.

Warfare is not solely based on a single event in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006. It also draws from the collective memories and experiences of various soldiers. Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland conducted extensive interviews with former Marines who fought in the Iraq War to craft the screenplay.

Ray Mendoza: A former Navy SEAL, Mendoza served in the Iraq War and witnessed the challenges and brutality of combat firsthand. His experiences and deep knowledge of military tactics and battlefield realities made him an invaluable consultant for film productions.

Mendoza began his cinema career as a military and technical advisor for several Hollywood films. He worked on productions like Lone Survivor (2013), Jurassic World (2015), Mile 22 (2018), The Outpost (2020), Emancipation (2022), and Civil War (2024). He ensured authenticity and realism in combat and military operations in these films.

Elliott Miller: During the mission in Ramadi, Miller served as a sniper and medic in his platoon. He was severely injured by a grenade launched by Al-Qaeda forces. Later, during an attempt to evacuate him and another wounded SEAL, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated.

The explosion resulted in the loss of one of his legs, severe injuries to one of his arms, burns covering more than half of his body, and a traumatic brain injury that left him in a four-week coma. His injuries erased his memory of that day and the mission. They also significantly impaired his speech, and he now communicates using an assistive device, such as an iPad.

Warfare is a relatively short film, but it is incredibly precise in delivering its message to the audience. While the opening may feel a bit predictable and slow—similar to many other war movies—it quickly shifts to a much more intense and impactful pace.

By observing the meticulous details included in every scene, it becomes clear that the filmmakers intended to create a war drama that feels more introspective and grounded. There’s nothing overly “Hollywood-like” about it, which is refreshing. Despite the presence of gunfire and explosions, the focus remains on the emotional responses and experiences of each soldier, showcasing how each individual copes with the same situation in different ways.

In addition to highlighting the trauma faced by soldiers, the film also sheds light on the broader impact war has on civilians. The movie portrays the aftermath of a violent confrontation, where a family uninvolved in the fighting is left trapped in total destruction. They are shown with no home to return to and no destination other than the ruins of what was once their life.

The film received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences, standing out for its brutally honest and immersive realism, a hallmark of A24 productions.

Rotten Tomatoes: 93% approval rating from 223 critic reviews and 93% approval from over 2,500 audience reviews.

IMDB: 7.3/10 based on 56,000 reviews.

Letterboxd: 3.6/5 from 335,000 ratings.

CinemaScore: Rated A- by audiences surveyed after screenings.

Warfare avoids romanticizing conflict. Its raw and unflinching approach throws viewers directly into the chaos of combat. The film focuses on the distressing details and the day-to-day reality faced by soldiers, offering a deeply immersive war movie experience.

The movie serves as a powerful tribute to the immense sacrifices made by soldiers. By capturing the uncertainty and brutality of life at the frontlines, Warfare portrays the human cost of war, including both its physical and emotional toll. Its honest depiction delves into the devastating impact of modern warfare.

If you enjoy gritty, grounded films that explore the human side of war, this is a compelling choice. Until next time!