As a devoted fan of the war movie genre, I walked into Warfare with high expectations—and walked out somewhat shaken, moved, and most certainly, impressed. Directed by Alex Garland (Civil War) and co-directed by Navy SEAL veteran Ray Mendoza, this film plunges audiences into the unfiltered chaos of battle with stunning authenticity and emotional weight.

Based on a true 2006 Navy SEAL operation in Iraq, Warfare drops us into a blistering 90-minute firefight that feels almost entirely real-time. Like The Hurt Locker and 13 Hours, the film is immersive and intense, yet it never mimics or borrows—it carves its own harrowing path through the sands of urban warfare. The pacing smartly mirrors the real rhythms of combat: lulls in action followed by sudden bursts of violence that jolt the viewer out of any sense of safety.

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The realism is brutal. Explosions are concussive, bloodshed is unflinching, and the visuals rival Saving Private Ryan in their graphic, stomach-churning clarity. It’s not for the faint of heart—and it doesn’t need to exaggerate the horrors of war to make its point.

What elevates Warfare from gritty to great, however, is the craft. Will Poulter delivers a commanding performance, further proving his remarkable range—juxtaposing this role with his absurdist turn in Death of a Unicorn only underscores his versatility. Meanwhile, the film’s sound design is a standout achievement. Every bullet whizz, tank rumble, and grenade detonation draws us deeper into the chaos. It’s as immersive a soundscape as I’ve experienced in recent memory—Oscar-worthy, frankly.

Perhaps most powerfully, Warfare resists the temptation to preach. There’s no overt political message here—only the raw, lived experience of soldiers. It plays like a cinematic Rorschach test: what you take away may depend more on your own values and beliefs than on anything the filmmakers impose. Personally, I walked away reminded of the humanity and heroism of those who serve—and why a simple “thank you for your service” can mean so much.

Warfare is more than a war film. It’s a frontline experience—loud, unflinching, and deeply respectful. Let’s hope it gets the recognition it deserves.

Grade: A-

About The Peetimes: It was ridiculously tough to find solid Peetimes for this film. I mean, when is a good time to take a break during real-time combat? Nevertheless, two Peetimes were identified for this short film which both work equally well.

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Warfare.

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Plot
Based on ex-Navy Seal Ray Mendoza’s real-life experiences during the Iraq War.