“Warfare” follows a platoon of American Navy SEALs as a surveillance mission goes wrong in Iraq.
“Warfare” is a phenomenal movie. At the same time, it’s not a pleasant one.
The Quiet Before the Storm
The opening 15 minutes of “Warfare” show the calm before the storm. Individuals spend most of the time simply sitting and waiting. In war, this silence can all change in a matter of seconds. “Warfare” gives the audience time to breathe in these initial scenes.
Directors Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland do a phenomenal job of making everything in “Warfare” feel real. It doesn’t glamorize war but offers a grounded retelling of true events.
A Different Kind of War Film
“Warfare” stands out because it doesn’t offer traditional character development. Instead, it attempts to place the audience inside the war zone, right alongside the individuals onscreen. This, combined with the sound design, makes it one of the most immersive films in recent years.
The film features impeccable sound design. “Warfare” skips a musical score, instead relying on the sounds of gunfire, horror and chaos to tell its story. This was a brilliant choice, as the film doesn’t need added noise to generate tension. Whether it’s the muffled ringing after an explosion or the blood-curdling screams that filled the theater, the sound design is unforgettable.
A Heavy But Unforgettable Experience
Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn and Cosmo Jarvis highlight a stacked cast. Poulter continues to show his range, taking on a vastly different role from his recent appearance in “Death of a Unicorn.” Quinn and Jarvis play two of the film’s most memorable characters, and both completely buy into their roles.
“Warfare” won’t be for everyone. In fact, I’m not even sure I could watch it again. With the explosions, gunfire, screams and nonstop communication, it’s an auditory and visual overload. It’s not a fun experience at the theater. It shook me to my core, nearly brought me to tears and held my attention from start to finish. It’s a film I have massive respect for.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
