Iraq War Veteran Ray Mendoza reunites with director Alex Garland for another war film, Warfare, from A24. Mendoza and Garland also co-wrote the movie based on Mendoza’s experiences during the Iraq War as a former U.S. Navy SEAL. Set in 2006 and shot in real-time, Warfare follows a platoon of Navy SEALs on a mission through the insurgent territory.
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai portrays Mendoza, while the rest of the ensemble cast includes Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Taylor John Smith, Michael Gandolfini, Adain Bradley, Noah Centineo, Evan Holtzman, Henry Zaga, Joseph Quinn, and Charles Melton.
Those who have read my previous reviews know that I often have my military service in the Air Force, and during the period that this film is set, I was on my first deployment as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. That said, after serving in my country’s military centered on the Iraq war, it usually hit differently for me, and I purposely avoided any trailers for Warfare.
As I entered the theater for my press screening and sat among my usual screening crew pals and fellow film critics, nothing could prepare me for what I would experience for the next ninety-five minutes. Mendoza and Garland begin their film with a somewhat relaxed moment for the Seals, watching a dance video before they head out on a mission.
One of the things I commend Mendoza and Garland on is their realistic approach to the film. There aren’t any moments when the seals joke around or talk about what they miss at home or their plans. These men realize they are in the heart of battle, and a situation can occur anytime. The film has no score, yet we are fully immersed in their world.
David J. Thompson’s cinematography transported me back to my military service. When the needle drops and circumstances become dire, Warfare grabs you and doesn’t let go. The editing is razor-sharp, and we feel every gunshot and bomb blast, so I recommend seeing the film on the biggest screen possible.
Kudos to the casting department as well for casting a semi-unknown as Ray, which ass to the realism. However, while the film is Ray’s story, he gives everyone in the platoon equal time as they go through a wave of emotions ranging from trying to save a battle buddy to dealing with being injured. All the cast is top-notch, and their brotherhood is genuine.
When the credits rolled on the film, I was reminded of a quote by the late Colin Powell: “Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence.” With Warfare, Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland solidified this into a modern-day classic.
Final Grade: A+
Warfare opens in theaters on April 11
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