Alex Garland, an Academy Award nominee, has been captivating cinephiles with his unique vision and style for over two decades. From his screenwriting debut with 28 Days Later to his directorial debut with Ex Machina, Garland’s cinematic language remains unique—one that continues consistently garners conversation. Whether it’s through his writing or directing, an Alex Garland film’s remain must see cinema.
In 2024, Garland’s Civil War offered a differentiating perspective on the genre. Rather than focusing on why and how did this civil war commence, Garland shifted focus on not just the fact it is occurring, but the unbiased nature of a wartime journalist. Although I found Civil War compelling, I recognize that it was one of the year’s most divisive films. Fast forward to 2025, Garland partners with Ray Mendoza for a new project that feels like a spiritual book end to Civil War, Warfare.
Brutal. Uncompromising. Unrelenting. Warfare isn’t just a war film, it’s an experience. Garland and Mendoza strip away the spectacle, delivering a raw, nerve-wracking descent into the world of modern combat. The sound design is nothing short of masterful, the action is visceral, and the tension never lets up.
The film unfolds in real time, rooted in Mendoza’s personal experiences during the Iraq War. Warfare follows a platoon of U.S. Navy SEALs on a mission in 2006 through hostile territory. The nightmare begins when they are spotted, unleashing a harrowing 90-minute ordeal that will test their limits as the platoon do what they must to survive and escape their nightmarish circumstances.
Garland and Mendoza’s script treats Warfare in unique fashion as it removes traditional character development. The screenplay instead introduces the SEALs through Eric Prydz’s 2004 music video Call on Me, emphasizing the camaraderie of this platoon prior to the commencement of their mission. The narrative then shifts to a tense yet non-violent buildup as the platoon navigates through residential walls in Iraq. Garland and Mendoza focus on the experience of war rather than individual backstories, shining light on war.
Devoid of a traditional film score, Warfare leans heavily on its phenomenal sound design, which arguably stands as one, if not the most effective sound designs of the year thus far. The immersion which the sound design creates leads to a feeling a suffocation. David J. Thompson’s claustrophobic cinematography and Fin Oates’ editing aid in increasing tension, claustrophobia and relentless nature of battle.
Although the film lacks rich and deep character arcs which ultimately may challenge viewers seeking deep and rich motivations, Garland and Mendoza ask for investment in these . The ensemble cast—including D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Noah Centineo, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, and Joseph Quinn—deliver raw and emotionally gripping performances aid in cinephile finding connection and ultimately rooting for their escape.
While it’s impossible to view Warfare and not bring narratives of propaganda, its raw depiction of survival and sacrifice is hard to ignore. Garland and Mendoza give a commitment to authenticity and the brutal realities of wartime battle and for that, both men deserve praise. Warfare establishes itself as one of 2025’s most unforgettable cinematic achievements.
