A24, the celebrated indie powerhouse behind films like Hereditary and Midsommar, has released the official trailer for Warfare, a gripping and visceral exploration of modern combat that promises to redefine the genre. Directed by Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza and Civil War helmer Alex Garland, the film offers an immersive, boots-on-the-ground perspective on the brutal realities of war, giving audiences an unflinching look at the true cost of conflict.
A Film Grounded in Experience
Set in the volatile landscape of modern-day Iraq, Warfare follows a platoon of American Navy SEALs stationed in the home of an Iraqi family, tasked with overseeing the movement of U.S. forces through insurgent territory. The entire story unfolds in real-time to experience every moment spent with the characters on the ground and the film’s authenticity is also rooted in the memory of those who lived through the chaos of combat.
The film also boasts an ensemble cast of talented actors including D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (“Reservation Dogs”, Fitting In) who portrays Mendoza himself, Will Poulter (Midsommar, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3), Cosmo Jarvis (“Shōgun”, Calm With Horses), Kit Connor (“Heartstopper”, “His Dark Materials”), and Finn Bennett (“Black Doves”, “True Detective”), Michael Gandolfini (Beau is Afraid, Bob Marley: One Love), Adain Bradley (Tarot, Wrong Turn), Noah Centineo (Dream Scenario, Black Adam), Henrique Zaga (The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The New Mutants), Joseph Quinn (“Stranger Things”, Gladiator II) and Charles Melton (May December, “Riverdale”).
Warfare certainly looks set to become a defining film of its era, unlike anything seen before, when it releases in theaters in 2025.
Mark your calendars for 2025. This is a film you won’t want to miss.