WARFARE is a nail biting true story written and directed by ex navy seal Ray Mendoza alongside filmmaker Alex Garland.
This action packed drama tells the true story of a US special forces surveillance mission gone wrong in enemy territory in Iraq. Set in 2006 and using testimony from the real life Platoon members it evokes the intensity and commitment of highly trained soldiers under tremendous threat and danger.
What makes this movie so immediate and compelling is that the visceral action is complimented by minimal dialogue, so you feel almost like a platoon member yourself, trying to survive while facing huge odds.
Most of the action takes place in one building which makes for a claustrophobic atmosphere where one false move could mean life or death for the platoon members.
The Warfare on show is realistic and does not rely on over the top set pieces to bang the viewer over the head with. Rather, it is one long tense set piece filmed in real time using the memories of the real platoon members. It is a moving and brutal depiction of the realities of war, but is never preachy in its politics. There is no “good” or “bad” guys.
The cast is filled with the best of the new talent breaking through in film such as Will Poulter, Kit Connor, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton and Noah Centineo plus many more. This ensemble work really well together given all the testosterone involved, they all give authentic and generous performances and no one tries to hog the spotlight.
It is no surprise that the actors shaved each other’s heads and had 3 months combat training before shooting and had post filming matching tattoos that said ” CALL ON ME.” This all created a solidarity amongst the cast. This commitment to the film and each other really does translate onto the screen.
This is a war movie that puts a team of men front and centre, where professionalism and a duty to your comrade is your defining role.
Entertaining and thought provoking, WARFARE is strong stuff, but remains a very human story.