‘Warfare’ Debuts in Theaters with a Raw and Immersive Take on Modern Combat

The Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza-directed film reconstructs a failed 2006 Navy SEAL mission in Iraq, blending authenticity with visceral storytelling.

‘Warfare’ is based on the memories of Navy SEALs involved in a 2006 mission in Ramadi, Iraq, co-directed by veteran Ray Mendoza and filmmaker Alex Garland.
The film employs a real-time narrative structure, avoiding dramatic embellishments to authentically depict the chaos and brutality of modern combat.
Currently available exclusively in theaters, the film is expected to follow A24’s typical release model, arriving on premium VOD in May and streaming on Max in July.
Critics have praised the film’s technical execution and unflinching portrayal of combat, though some note its lack of broader context or character development.
Mendoza has described the film as a tribute to his injured comrade Elliott Miller and a potential conversation starter for veterans and civilians alike.