In the realm of war films, where Hollywood often glamorizes the chaos of battle with sweeping orchestral scores and larger-than-life heroes, "Warfare" emerges as a starkly different beast. Co-directed by Alex Garland, known for his cerebral and visually stunning works like "Ex Machina" and "Civil War," and former US Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza, "Warfare" offers a raw, unfiltered look at the Iraq War through the eyes of those who lived it. This film is not about creating cinematic spectacle; it's about telling a story that resonates with the truth of war.

A Laughter Before the Storm

The film begins with an unexpected yet effective touch of humor. The nostalgic beats of Eric Prydz’s 2004 hit "Call on Me" fill the theater, followed by the infamous music video featuring a crotch-thrusting homage to John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis’s antics in "Perfect." This scene, shown on a laptop screen in a military barracks near Baghdad, sets the tone for the film's unique approach. The SEAL team, barely out of their teens, could easily be mistaken for spring breakers if not for their fatigues and rifles. Their youthful exuberance is palpable, but the film quickly shifts gears, reminding us that the next boom we hear won't be so fun.

A Mission Gone Sideways

"Warfare" is a retelling of a mission gone awry during the Iraq War in 2006. Mendoza’s team was engaged in a surveillance mission in Ramadi when their house came under attack, thrusting them into a desperate fight for survival without the usual backup. This narrative is drawn from Mendoza’s own memories and those of his former unit, making the film a deeply personal and authentic account of war.

A Cast of Realistic Characters

The film stars a lineup of young Hollywood actors, including Charles Melton, Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, Noah Centineo, and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Mendoza. However, "Warfare" has no time for Hollywood heroism. Instead, it casts these actors as highly competent cogs in a machine that values teamwork over individual valor. This approach is a refreshing departure from the typical war movie formula, where individual heroism often takes center stage.

Crafting Authenticity

Garland and Mendoza worked closely to develop the script, interviewing members of the unit to flesh out the details. "It’s an exercise in trying to recreate a real sequence of events as accurately as possible," Garland explained. The process involved reconciling discrepancies and conflicts in people’s memories, leading to a forensic reconstruction of the events. The result is a film with a laser-focused viewpoint and minimal exposition, filled with military jargon that is both baffling and comically human.

A Corrective to Hollywood War Films

Mendoza positions "Warfare" as a corrective to the many war films he and other veterans have seen. "Traditionally, the people who are making movies about war haven’t experienced it," he noted. Previous films about the Iraq War often failed to resonate with veterans, who felt misrepresented in how they spoke, handled stress, and interacted with each other. To remedy this, Mendoza put the cast through a three-week boot camp, teaching them weapons training, radio communications, tactical maneuvering, and military first aid. This immersive experience not only equipped the actors with the necessary skills but also fostered a deep bond among them.

The Reality of War

Despite its relatively short 95-minute runtime, "Warfare" takes its time to build tension, reflecting the reality of war where downtime and boredom are as much a part of the experience as the moments of intense danger. This contrast is a key element of the film, highlighting the stark differences between the mundane and the perilous. Unlike other war films that focus on exceptional missions, "Warfare" depicts a situation that was all too common for many soldiers in Iraq.

Intimacy and Trauma

The violence in "Warfare" is brief but impactful, with its repercussions explored in graphic and intimate detail. The film’s intimacy is a result of the cast’s close-knit bond, which was forged during the boot camp and the intense filming process. For Mendoza, the reconstruction of these events was a way to process the trauma of the past two decades. "It’s a never-ending process," he said. "Just because the war is over, it doesn’t mean that it’s over for us."

A Message of Authenticity

Garland is clear that "Warfare" does not have an agenda or a message to telegraph. Instead, it aims to convey information as honestly as possible. The film ends with a poignant coda that offers a moment of grace, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

A Bond Forged in Fire

The cast’s bond is evident both on and off the screen. Many of the actors got matching tattoos reading "call on me," a symbolic expression of their brotherhood. This bond, forged through the intense experience of filming "Warfare," is a testament to the film’s authenticity and the deep connections that can be formed in the face of adversity.

A New Standard for War Films

"Warfare" stands out as a powerful and authentic portrayal of modern combat. By focusing on the realities of war and the importance of teamwork, it offers a refreshing alternative to the typical Hollywood war film. The film’s commitment to accuracy and its respectful treatment of the subject matter make it a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the true nature of war. As the cast and crew of "Warfare" demonstrate, the bonds formed in the face of danger are unbreakable, and the stories of those who serve deserve to be told with the utmost respect and authenticity.