'Warfare' Opens to Acclaim for Realism and Debate Over Ethical Choices

The Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza war film delivers an immersive, real-time depiction of combat but faces criticism for its portrayal of Iraqi civilians and a divisive epilogue.

'Warfare,' directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, recreates a failed 2006 Navy SEAL mission in Ramadi, Iraq, based on Mendoza's firsthand experiences.
The film is praised for its visceral realism, achieved through real-time storytelling, meticulous sound design, and a focus on the chaos and horror of war.
Critics highlight the lack of character development and limited nuance in the depiction of Iraqi civilians and translators as significant shortcomings.
The controversial mid-credits epilogue, juxtaposing real-life soldiers with the actors portraying them, has drawn mixed reactions for undermining the film's immersive tone.
Featuring a strong ensemble cast, including Will Poulter and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, the movie avoids traditional war tropes and leaves its ethical and political implications open-ended.