‘Warfare’: First Reactions to Alex Garland’s A24 War Film

Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz surrounding the upcoming film titled ‘Warfare’, directed by Alex Garland under A24. The movie seems to be making an impact, as responses from those who’ve seen it are flooding in. Unlike conventional war movies, this one is gritty, intense, and doesn’t shy away from reality. Given that Ray Mendoza, a veteran of combat, is collaborating with Garland, the film’s authenticity and emotional depth are topics of much discussion.

The movie plunges you straight into the turmoil of a mission that’s taken a turn for the worse. As Perri Nemiroff aptly stated: ‘I’m completely captivated by #WARFARE. This is one of the most engrossing and raw war movies I’ve ever experienced, with minimal romanticization of war. From the very start, Warfare pulls you into a mission gone awry, submerging you in the pandemonium of battle, an experience that never abates.’ She’s deeply impressed by the intricacies—the sound, the visuals, the performances—all merging to make you feel like a participant, stunned by the grim reality of war.

Completely engrossed by #WARFARE. It’s undoubtedly one of the most realistic and emotionally intense war films I’ve ever watched, with minimal romanticization of conflict. From the very start, Warfare plunges you headfirst into a mission that goes awry, leaving you feeling…

— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 14, 2025

Later on, there’s Hunter Bolding, who’s still in shock from it. He expressed his feelings by saying, “I’m completely astonished by #Warfare. It’s brutal, realistic, terrifying, and one of the most haunting portrayals of war on screen. The movie builds tension like a horror film does. There’s one scene that made me put my hands over my ears. Fantastic movie. The best use of “Call On Me” I’ve ever seen. #A24.” What really stood out to me was the feeling it gave me – war isn’t portrayed as glamorous in this film, but rather as a nightmare you can’t escape from.

I’m utterly astonished by #Warfare. It’s gruesome, authentic, chilling, and offers one of the most intense portrayals of war on screen. The movie seems to unfold like a terrifying horror flick, building tension all along. There’s a particular scene that made me clamp my ears shut. An outstanding film. The best use of “Call On Me” I’ve ever seen. #A24

— Hunter Bolding (@HunterBVideo) March 14, 2025

The movie “Warfare” doesn’t only focus on soldiers, but also highlights the broader context. As pointed out by The Nerds of Color, it portrays war in a raw and truthful manner, without sugarcoating its brutal nature or the devastating consequences it had on the Iraqi people. In other words, it doesn’t glorify war and instead provides a realistic depiction of its cost to everyone involved in the conflict.

Warfare is raw, genuine, and incredibly chilling. The initial scene might make you uneasy at times. Don’t let the trailer deter you if it did. This production does not glorify war or sugarcoat the horrific effects it had on the Iraqi populace. Instead, it portrays the devastation in a profound and heartbreaking manner on all fronts.

— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) March 13, 2025

The immersion, as described by Matt Neglia from SXSW, is a constant and intense experience. In his words, ‘WARFARE plunges viewers right into the heat of battle, offering a real-time, hard-hitting immersion that few films can rival for sheer intensity. It showcases agony, precision, confusion, disorder, violence, and courage in rapid succession, with Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza creating a vision that prioritizes authenticity at every point. Character development is minimal here, but this is a deeply immersive, unyielding experience. The sound design is deafening and terrifying, while the editing heightens the tension to almost unbearable levels. It feels like you can’t breathe until the credits finish rolling.’ This film doesn’t offer much respite—it’s all action, all tension.

Battles take spectators right into the thick of the action, offering a heart-pounding, authentic experience that rivals few other films for its level of immersion. The scenes are filled with pain, precision, confusion, disorder, brutality, and courage, all unfolding swiftly one after another. That’s how Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza construct…

— Matt Neglia @SXSW (@NextBestPicture) March 14, 2025

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, let me tell you that the ensemble in this upcoming film is nothing short of stellar, featuring Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, and Will Poulter. But don’t anticipate a leisurely introduction to these talents. Drew Taylor shared, ‘#Warfare’ is almost overwhelmingly intense – a gritty, immersive combat movie that strips away most unnecessary elements. The young cast delivers outstanding performances, with Garland and Mendoza complementing each other exceptionally well. Plus, it boasts one of the most spectacular sound mixes I’ve ever experienced – make sure to catch it in a cinema with the loudest speakers! This isn’t so much about exploring the characters’ pasts as it is about surviving each moment head-on.

#Combat is almost unbearably intense – a gritty, realistic war film stripped of excessive elements. Remarkable performances from the youthful cast, with Garland and Mendoza complementing each other superbly. It also boasts one of the most extraordinary sound designs – watch it in the cinema with the loudest speakers.

— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) March 13, 2025

Regarding performances, Duane Miller is still in awe of Joseph Quinn. He expressed, ‘WARFARE was the most gripping 90 minutes in a movie I’ve watched for a while. Outstanding direction, sound, and acting, with Joseph Quinn standing out. With each performance I see from him, I’m left astounded. It’s a truly excellent film.’ Lately, Quinn has been making waves everywhere – ‘Stranger Things,’ ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ – and he’s certainly putting in top-notch work here.

In an extended period, the battle scenes in this movie were exceptionally intense. The direction, sound design, and acting, especially by Joseph Quinn, were outstanding. Each time I watch Quinn act, I’m left in awe. It’s a truly remarkable film.

— Duane Miller (@Cinemaniac94) March 14, 2025

Erik Davis effectively conveyed the intensity: “Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza’s #Warfare is undeniably the most gripping movie I’ve seen this year. It’s remarkably immersive, placing us in an inescapable predicament where soldiers find themselves pinned down inside a house under siege.

This fast-paced war film, set on a true story, offers minimal space for relaxation and abundant action, fueled by high intensity. The star-studded cast, featuring Joseph Quinn, Kit Connor, Charles Melton, Noah Centineo, Will Poulter, and Cosmo Jarvis, immerse themselves so thoroughly in their roles due to the relentless pace and chaotic energy that it’s as if they’ve vanished.

Instead of a glamorous lineup, this movie is truly about the heroic soldiers who are tirelessly working to save lives and escape danger. The film’s original style left me spellbound, almost unable to move throughout its duration – such is the level of intensity it conveys. I highly recommend experiencing it on a large screen with booming audio. In essence, this movie takes you on an unforgettable journey!

This year, I’ve found no movie more gripping than #Warfare by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza. It’s incredibly engaging, placing us squarely in an inescapable predicament where soldiers are pinned down inside a house under relentless attack.

There’s scarcely any respite, only non-stop action…

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 13, 2025

As a true film enthusiast, I’ve got to say that “WARFARE” has left me utterly spellbound. It’s raw, pulse-pounding, and immersive – a full-on sensory onslaught! This movie undeniably sets the bar as the most authentic and realistic combat film ever produced, making it an absolute must-see on the big screen. The sound design team is definitely in the running for next year’s awards with their exceptional work. Can’t wait to catch this masterpiece on the silver screen!

Warfare is raw, thrilling, and powerful; it’s an overwhelming sensory attack! Undoubtedly the most genuine and lifelike war film ever produced, it deserves to be witnessed on a grand scale in theaters! The sound design team should definitely be nominated for awards next year @A24.

— Tony Mosello (@MoselloATC) March 14, 2025

Ultimately, Zach Pope succinctly expressed its lasting impact: ‘#Warfare’ offers a crushing, unyielding, and utterly devastating portrayal of Modern Warfare. My heart races, my body shudders, and I’m still panting heavily. This isn’t just another war film—it’s an immersive journey. By discarding any element of grandiosity, it delivers the unvarnished reality of conflict.’ It is not about valor—it’s about the harsh truth.

#Modern Warfare offers a crushing, inexorable, and completely devastating portrayal of warfare. My pulse is pounding, my senses are on edge, and I’m still catching my breath. This isn’t just another war film… it’s an immersive journey. Removing any hint of glamour and focusing solely on the brutal reality of war.

— Zach Pope (@popetheking) March 14, 2025

Garland isn’t new to tackling deep and thought-provoking subjects – movies like ‘Ex Machina’, ‘Annihilation’, and ‘Civil War’ have challenged our minds, sparked discussions, and left an impact last year. Working alongside Mendoza, who has experienced similar turmoil, gives the impression that ‘Warfare’ aims to portray war in its raw and authentic form, rather than the glamorized version often depicted by Hollywood. The anticipation is high – it seems this film could leave us emotionally stirred up when it releases.

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2025-03-14 13:45