New War Film “Warfare” Hits Theaters in 3 Days: Real-Time Action from the Director of “Civil War” and “Ex Machina”
“Warfare”, the gripping new war action movie from British filmmaker Alex Garland, is set to hit German theaters in just three days. Co-written and directed by Garland in collaboration with Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza, the film presents a raw, real-time portrayal of combat based on Mendoza’s real-life experiences as part of a U.S. Navy SEAL unit.
The 95-minute feature unfolds largely in real time, immersing viewers in the high-stakes environment faced by Mendoza and his fellow soldiers during a tense mission. The story is inspired by Mendoza’s firsthand accounts of his deployment, providing an authentic and emotionally charged depiction of modern warfare.
Acclaimed U.S. Premiere and Early Buzz
The film had its North American premiere on March 16, 2025, in Chicago, followed by a nationwide release on April 11. Early critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, Warfare currently holds an impressive 94% approval rating from professional critics, signaling strong audience anticipation ahead of its European release.
Authentic Filming Across War-Touched Landscapes
Production for Warfare spanned several significant locations between late spring and fall 2024. Filming took place in London, California, the Wadi Rum desert in southern Jordan, and various sites across Iraq. Garland emphasized the importance of shooting on location in Iraq, stating in official production notes: “Filming there was essential to convey the truth of the events. The setting itself tells part of the story.”
A Talented Young Cast Portrays the Frontlines
Leading the cast is D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, known from Reservation Dogs, portraying Ray Mendoza. The ensemble also includes Will Poulter (The Revenant), Cosmo Jarvis (Shōgun), Joseph Quinn (The Fantastic Four: First Steps), Noah Centineo (To All The Boys), Kit Connor (Heartstopper), Charles Melton (Riverdale), and Michael Gandolfini (The Many Saints of Newark). Together, they bring depth and intensity to a story grounded in real-world trauma and brotherhood.
Plot Summary: A Desperate Fight for Survival
Set in Ramadi, Iraq, at the end of 2006, the story follows a team of U.S. soldiers as they occupy a strategically located home previously owned by a local family. Tasked with securing the surrounding area—where insurgents are believed to be active—they begin surveillance operations from within the house.
The situation escalates when a group of armed militants suddenly appears. Grenades and explosives soon rip through the building, severely injuring two American soldiers. Surrounded, outnumbered, and without immediate reinforcements, Ray Mendoza and his unit are forced into a harrowing fight for survival as they attempt to clear an escape route and evacuate the wounded.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Alex Garland’s Cinematic Universe
With Warfare, Alex Garland continues to build on his legacy of visually stunning, thought-provoking films. While fans eagerly await more news about a potential third installment of his earlier horror hit 28 Days Later, this war drama demonstrates Garland’s versatility and commitment to telling stories that resonate on both a personal and political level.
Warfare lands in German theaters this week and promises an intense, emotionally grounded cinematic experience not to be missed.
