Warfare: Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza Team Up for a Real-Time War Movie Experience

The trailer thrusts viewers into the heart of an Iraqi city, where a platoon of Navy SEALs finds themselves ensnared in an ambush.

Warfare, an upcoming A24 film, promises to deliver a visceral and thought-provoking cinematic experience when it hits theaters in 2025. Directed by Alex Garland (Annihilation, Ex Machina) and co-written and co-directed by Ray Mendoza, a former Navy SEAL, the film boasts an impressive cast and a unique narrative approach that aims to immerse viewers in the heart of urban warfare.

The trailer thrusts viewers into the heart of an Iraqi city, where a platoon of Navy SEALs finds themselves ensnared in an ambush. The tension is palpable as the soldiers navigate narrow streets, explosions rocking their surroundings, and the line between ally and enemy blurring with each passing second. The tagline, “Everything is based on memory,” hints at the film’s exploration of the subjective nature of wartime recollections, setting the stage for a narrative that’s as psychologically probing as it is action-packed.

Warfare marks Garland's return to directing after Men, and the collaboration with Mendoza promises a unique blend of intense action and profound character study. Mendoza's firsthand combat experience and deep connection to the story add a layer of authenticity, aiming to honor the real individuals involved in the events depicted on screen.

The film's ensemble cast includes Will Poulter (The Revenant, Midsommar), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Reservation Dogs), Cosmo Jarvis (Peaky Blinders), Kit Connor (Heartstopper), and Finn Bennett (The Salisbury Poisonings). Each actor brings their distinct talents to the roles of soldiers navigating the unforgiving landscape of war.

Poulter takes on the role of a seasoned SEAL team leader, whose character is sure to showcase the complexities of command under fire. Quinn portrays a young, inexperienced soldier, whose perspective serves as the audience’s entry point into the chaos of urban warfare.

Woon-A-Tai's character adds depth to the ensemble, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of those who serve and the personal stories that intertwine within the platoon. Jarvis brings intensity and gravitas to the role of a battle-hardened operative, embodying the toll of prolonged conflict.

Connor's character represents the vulnerability and resilience of youth thrust into war, while Bennett's role adds another layer to the platoon's dynamic, showcasing the camaraderie and tension inherent in close-knit units.

One of the standout aspects of Warfare is its bold use of a real-time narrative, a technique rarely employed in contemporary cinema. This approach demands precise choreography and pacing, aiming to provide an unrelenting, immersive experience that mirrors the unpredictability of combat.

The film employs a real-time narrative approach, with continuous shots that immerse the audience in the immediacy of combat, creating a visceral, almost claustrophobic experience.

A minimalist soundtrack underscores the tension, allowing the sounds of warfare—gunfire, shouted commands, the thud of boots on rubble—to take center stage, enhancing realism.

Warfare is set to offer a cinematic experience that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. With its unique narrative approach, authentic portrayal of combat, and deep psychological insights, the film promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences.