Written and directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, this is Warfare. The film is one of the most astounding and instrumental portraits of how war feels. It blends desperation and darkness in ways that weave together the emotional and drastic side of being in a war zone. It is humanistic to the extent that audiences feel a deep personal response. Warfare is a hard watch, and at the same time it is unmissable.

The film focuses on Navy SEALS and features characters ranging from Ray (played by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai) to Eric (played by Will Poulter) to Elliott (played by Cosmo Jarvis), to Sam (played by Joseph Quinn). There are other soldiers, however, the primary focus is on these individuals most of the time Warfare. They are in uncharted territory. The opening shows the soldiers going around doing surveillance, using scopes, and making sure they are ready for when an attack happens. When an explosion occurs, their mission becomes more critical. 

This film is based on a true story and takes place in one place. Accuracy is used as an element that helps to raise curiosity. The setting is a place in a world that is in and of itself mind-blowing, Ramadi, Iraq. The Navy SEALS based there are one of several contributors to stressors in Warfare. During each invigorating aspect or detrimental moment in the story, I knew there were other layers that were bound to boggle my mind. There was always another moving component swerving back and forth in my head during the time I viewed Warfare.

Since this film is an adaptation, the seriousness of the matters takes on a surreal sense. When soldiers are injured, the momentum shifts and the matter of staying alive becomes more crucial. Throughout the streets of Iraq, Warfare has many inevitable moments that practically made my blood boil. The continuity drives desperation to the most vivid level because survival is the weapon that matters in Warfare.

Garland and Mendoza know how to push the limits of combat. This is especially the case in situations when choices must be made in a timely manner.  There are no right or wrong answersonce scenarios burst wide open in Warfare. The film makes an impact and will likely cause audiences to have different responses. Some may be shocked, some may be mortified, and some may be blown away. I was all three after seeing Warfare, because it is one of the most chilling, aching, and cinematic thrill rides I have seen. Warfare displays action that can be anxiety-provoking when traps unravel. 

There comes a time to fight back and push adrenaline to the max. Warfare is all “adrenaline!” There is no holding back. The entire focus is making it out alive for all including those who are compromised. There is a vast amount of fear that can be dismissed, but there are lives on the line. The film’s key component is a cinematic jolt based upon what steps must be taken. It is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Four out of four stars for Warfare.