Warfare is a 2025 war drama co-directed by Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza and acclaimed filmmaker Alex Garland. The film offers an immersive, real-time depiction of a Navy SEAL platoon’s harrowing mission in Ramadi, Iraq, based on Mendoza’s personal experiences during the 2006 conflict.(What to Watch, People.com)
🎬 Plot Overview
Set during a surveillance operation gone awry, Warfare follows a platoon of Navy SEALs as they navigate the dangers of insurgent territory. The narrative unfolds in real time, providing an unflinching look at the chaos and camaraderie of modern warfare. The film is dedicated to Elliott Miller, a corpsman and sniper who suffered severe injuries during the mission. (Letterboxd, People.com)
👥 Cast & Characters
The ensemble cast brings authenticity to the story:(What to Watch)
- D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Ray Mendoza
- Will Poulter as Erik, Officer in Charge
- Cosmo Jarvis as Elliott Miller, Corpsman/Lead Sniper
- Joseph Quinn as Sam, LPO
- Charles Melton as Jake, Assistant Officer in Charge
- Kit Connor as Tommy, Gunner
- Noah Centineo as Brian/Zawi, Gunner
- Michael Gandolfini as USMC LT McDonald, Fire Support Officer(Wikipedia)
The cast underwent a rigorous three-week boot camp to accurately portray the physical and emotional demands of combat. (GQ)
🎥 Production Details
- Directors: Ray Mendoza & Alex Garland
- Writers: Ray Mendoza & Alex Garland
- Cinematography: David J. Thompson
- Editing: Fin Oates
- Studio: DNA Films
- Distributor: A24
- Runtime: 95 minutes
- Budget: $20 million
- Box Office Gross: $31.5 million(What to Watch, Wikipedia)
The film was shot in chronological order, with sets meticulously designed to replicate the urban environment of Ramadi. (People.com)
📅 Release & Reception
- US Premiere: March 16, 2025, at the Music Box Theatre in Chicago
- US Theatrical Release: April 11, 2025
- UK Theatrical Release: April 18, 2025(Wikipedia)
Warfare has been lauded for its authenticity and emotional depth, earning a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
🎞️ Watch the Trailer
Experience the intensity of Warfare by watching the official trailer below:
Warfare stands as a poignant tribute to the realities of combat and the bonds forged in the crucible of war. Its commitment to truth and emotional resonance makes it a standout in the war film genre.