The first reactions to Alex Garland‘s newest A24 drama Warfare have finally dropped online, with most of the critics calling it as one of the most intense and realistic war movies they’ve ever seen. The movie is slated to arrive in theaters on April 11, 2025.
“Warfare embeds audiences with a platoon of American Navy SEALs in the home of an Iraqi family, overwatching the movement of US forces through insurgent territory. A visceral, boots-on-the-ground story of modern warfare, told like never before: in real time and based on the memory of the people who lived it,” reads the official synopsis.
What are critics’ Warfare first reactions?
Following its press screenings, A24’s Warfare has received mostly positive reviews from critics, who are praising how immersive and terrifyingly brutal it is. Some of the early reactions mentioned the movie’s impeccable sound design, which definitely elevated the audiences’ theatrical experience.
#Warfare is one of the most intense war movies I’ve ever seen. It felt like I was right there with these soldiers, with its impeccable sound design, and claustrophobic atmosphere. It’s a rather terrifying experience, and I was hooked from beginning to end. pic.twitter.com/p2nBIv3Jo2
— Ben (Meter) (@metersreviews) March 14, 2025
Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza should be applauded for what they accomplished… & you thought the sound design on Civil War was amazing? This might even be better. Not for the faint of heart. The fact that this just smacks you right in… and never lets go until the credits roll
— Zach Pope (@popetheking) March 14, 2025
I’m absolutely floored by #Warfare. Brutal, realistic, horrifying, and one of the most harrowing depictions of war on screen. It plays out like a horror film ratcheting up tension. There’s one scene that had me covering my ears. Amazing film. Best use of “Call On Me” ever. #A24 pic.twitter.com/oqCulTGpll
— Hunter Bolding (@HunterBVideo) March 14, 2025
#Warfare is raw, honest, & absolutely bone-chilling. The 1st act is uncomfortable at times. Don’t be dissuaded by the trailer, if you were. This does not glorify the war or gloss over the devastating impact it had on the Iraqi people. It’s truly devastating on every level. pic.twitter.com/dm1SopaD8n
— The Nerds of Color (@TheNerdsofColor) March 13, 2025
Totally overwhelmed by #WARFARE. Undeniably one of the most immersive and visceral war movies I’ve ever seen — and also one that romanticizes war the least. Gripping from the moment it opens, Warfare puts the viewer right smack in the middle of a mission gone wrong. You’re… pic.twitter.com/pegDWmoZOx
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) March 14, 2025
In addition to its sound design and suspense-filled sequences, critics also gave recognition to its star-studded cast’s commendable performances, while also continue to praise the creative team’s vision for the movie. Some critics have also been calling it as one of the “must-see” movies of the year.
#Warfare is almost unbearably tense — a you-are-there combat movie free of nearly all frills. Excellent performances from the young cast, with Garland and Mendoza working beautifully together. Also has one of the most incredible sound mixes ever — see it in the loudest theater. pic.twitter.com/yLYMRrXCyu
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) March 13, 2025
Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza’s #Warfare is definitely the most intense film I’ve watched this year. Incredibly immersive in its approach, we’re thrust into an impossible situation w/ soldiers trapped inside a home under attack.
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 13, 2025
There’s little breathing room and lots of action… pic.twitter.com/jajG2BGEd9
WARFARE thrusts viewers directly into the heart of combat, delivering a real-time intense experience that few films can match for sheer immersion. Agony, precision, disorientation, chaos, violence, and bravery unfold in relentless succession, as Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza craft… pic.twitter.com/yMcDDCvhEb
— Matt Neglia @SXSW (@NextBestPicture) March 14, 2025
WARFARE, the most intense 90 minutes of a film that I've seen in a long time. Incredible directing, sound, and performances, particularly Joseph Quinn. Every performance I see from him, I'm continuously blown away. Really good movie. pic.twitter.com/g62bPx8cCb
— Duane Miller (@Cinemaniac94) March 14, 2025
Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza’s Warfare is an honest, harrowing, intense and powerful piece. It’s one of the first must see movies of the year. An incredible tribute to the unimaginable sacrifice this brave band of brothers made. Incredible stuff. Flawless #Warfare #WarfareMovie pic.twitter.com/6NgNzhQZIP
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) March 13, 2025
Finally got permission to talk about this movie. #Warfare is the first great movie this year. It’s not just a war film but it also might be considered a horror film. Extremely tense and deeply upsetting. And certainly not for the squeamish @warfaremovie pic.twitter.com/hsxMaVTHFN
— ???? ?????? (@JohnMovieWatch) March 14, 2025
Warfare is written and directed by 28 Days Later scribe Alex Garland and Iraq war veteran Ray Mendoza, based on the latter’s experiences as a former U.S. Navy SEAL during The ensemble cast includes D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Taylor John Smith, Michael Gandolfini, Adain Bradley, Noah Centineo, Evan Holtzman, and Henrique Zaga. It is produced by Andrew Macdonald, Matthew Penry-Davey, Allon Reich, and Peter Rice.
