“Warfare” (2025) / Z-View

Warfare (2025)

Director:  Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland

Screenplay: Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland

Stars: D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Joseph Quinn, Alex Brockdorff, Finn Bennett, Evan Holtzman, Michael Gandolfini and Noah Centineo.

Tagline: Everything is based on memory.

The Plot…

A team of Navy SEALS secretly set up an observation post in a house in the middle of an Iraqi town known to be a hotbed of terrorists.  As some of the soldiers hold the family hostage, the others monitor enemy activity.

The SEALS come to realize that as they are watching the terrorists, the terrorists are aware of them.  One of the SEAL translators monitoring radio chatter, hears an Iraqi call to arms.  The enemy is gearing up for battle with the SEALS.  Soon after a granade is thrown through the window.  One of the SEAL snipers is badly injured.

The SEALS call for air support and evacuation.  It will come, but not immediately.  Outnumbered and outgunned, the SEALS are in a battle for their lives.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Warfare is based on a true SEAL mission.  The movie plays out in real time.  The screenplay was based on memories of the soldiers who were there.  Before a scene was set, at least two of the soldiers verified it for accuracy.

The action is intense and at times terrifying.  It’s hard to imagine being in the middle of a battle, fighting for your life with all of the chaos.  Minutes seem like hours waiting for back-up.  When all is said and done, you’re glad to have survived (and for your teammates that made it).  But there is no ultimate resolution that good triumphed over evil.  There is just the bond you will forever have with the men who shared the experience.

Warfare (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars.