Warfare (2025)

It took me a while to figure out what to say and to process what I had just seen. Whenever I watch something great, I feel entertained and that I could give it a rewatch more times than I can count. Unfortunately, I can’t say that here. Not because I saw a bad movie but because there are also great ones that you feel like you couldn’t watch again for their intensity and moments that make you feel more uncomfortable than how I get when I try to start a conversation. And that’s exactly how it was for me when I went to see Warfare. I can’t remember the last time I went to the theater and was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire film but I was pretty anxious the whole time. Everyone who’s seen this movie has said the same thing: “It’s not just a film, it’s an experience.” I can say with the utmost confidence that they couldn’t be more right. I may not see this movie again for a while but it definitely made for one hell of a thrill ride. I’m still kind of having a hard time processing what I watched (that’s probably the Asperger’s) but I’ll try to explain the best I can.

     The movie is set during the 2006 Battle of Ramadi in Iraq. It follows a U.S. Navy SEAL platoon trapped in a multi-story house during a surveillance mission gone wrong. As insurgent activity escalates, the team faces intense combat, leading to casualties and a desperate evacuation. The movie was written and directed by both Alex Garland and real life Iraq war veteran, Ray Mendoza, who was involved in the actual mission and the film is based on his and other veterans’ memories of the events. Despite being an intense watch, I’m glad I saw this in the theater when I did, because I don’t think it would have been the same if I saw it on a small screen. Not only was the story well-told and the acting excellent, but because I saw this on the big screen, there was incredible surround sound that bounced off the walls of the theater and caught me totally off guard. It even made it feel like I was there with the platoon. But, if you’re sensitive to loud noises or too squeamish, then this movie probably won’t be for you. I may not be the smartest person in the world but I know for a fact that this movie is not for the faint of heart. It hasn’t been easy to put what I saw into words. After the movie was over, I was left speechless, completely numb, and both the audience and myself stayed throughout the credits until the screen was completely dark. I guess that’s just how powerful this movie was.

     Even though it was extremely hard to sit through, I’d still consider this an important film to watch. I would say that my only complaint might be that the character development felt very limited but I hardly noticed that as the film went on. I know everyone usually watches movies for the entertainment and to have some fun but I can promise that’s something you won’t get from this one. You don’t usually get that when watching a war film. But like I said, it’s still an important one and I believe everyone should see this movie at least once in their life. With how oversensitive and uncomfortable I can get, I’m amazed I’m able to sit through movies like this. With that being said, I would give this movie a 9 out of 10. If you’re more delicate or emotional than I am, then I probably wouldn’t recommend seeing this. But if you’re willing to sit through a war film and experience what I felt, then go check it out on the big screen if possible. I can guarantee that it will certainly stick with you afterwards.