Renowned director Alex Garland, celebrated for his work on Civil War, takes a different approach with his latest film, Warfare. Instead of envisioning a fictional future conflict, Garland and his co-director, Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza, reflect on the grim realities of the United States’ invasion of Iraq in the early 2000s. Early critical acclaim has already begun to pour in, with the film earning an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, solidifying its status as a promising release from A24.
The film’s cast, which includes notable talents such as Joseph Quinn (*Stranger Things*), Will Poulter (*The Bear*), and D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (*Reservation Dogs*), underwent rigorous preparation to authentically embody their roles. To enhance their understanding of life as a U.S. soldier, the actors participated in an immersive boot camp experience, designed by Garland and Mendoza to foster genuine connections among them and provide accurate portrayals of military life.
In an interview with ScreenRant, the cast members shared insights into their transformative experiences while working on Warfare. They elaborated on the intense preparation process, describing the challenges they faced and the bonds they forged throughout this journey. With ScreenRant dubbing their performance as “90 minutes of hell,” the actors highlighted the importance of their collective mindset as they navigated the film’s demanding narrative.
Pre-Production Insights from Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza
“Alex & Ray Immediately Set Us Up With a Hierarchical Structure”
The directors’ involvement in Warfare extended well beyond the filming phase. Their approach to directing was deeply rooted in preparation, marked by substantial pre-production discussions with the cast. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai recounted that Garland and Mendoza conducted personal meetings with each actor to convey the film’s intensity and the commitment needed. “It was made clear that the project demanded full dedication from every one of us,” he noted.
Kit Connor echoed this sentiment, focusing on the significance of their boot camp experience. “One of the most unique aspects of this project was how Alex and Ray established a structured environment,”he explained. “They appointed Will, Charles, and Joe to leadership roles reflective of their characters.” This careful preparation not only primed the actors for the physical demands of the film but also helped align their mental states for the complex narrative that lay ahead.
Creating a Brotherhood: Insights from Warfare’s Stars
“We’re Spending Every Waking Moment [Together]”
To immerse audiences in the film’s intense setting, the cast of Warfare underwent an elaborate boot camp, promoting what Will Poulter called their “military literacy.” This experience seamlessly instilled a sense of camaraderie, with actors spending nearly all their time together. The environment established a rigorous hierarchy among the cast, enhancing their portrayal of military dynamics.
Reflecting on the process, Charles Melton remarked on the regimented lifestyle adopted during the boot camp: “We were meticulous about timing and structure; we had to be at the marquee by specific hours, all fully prepared.” Poulter added that this precision extended to practicing military time, which they adjusted to throughout their training.
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai shared how the boot camp strengthened their personal connections: “The bond we formed was organic. We were with each other constantly—eating meals, sharing experiences, and supporting one another throughout the journey.” He emphasized that this intensive collaboration ultimately led to personal growth, stating, “I became a better person thanks to every one of these guys.”
Balancing Darkness with Light: The Role of Levity in Warfare
“Otherwise, What’s The Point?”
Warfare presents a raw portrayal of one of the most traumatic episodes in modern American history, captured in a real-time, 90-minute narrative. However, amidst its bleak themes, cast members recognized the necessity of incorporating moments of levity. As Kit Connor explained, “These humorous elements were vital for maintaining our bond, allowing us to navigate the heavier themes throughout the film.”
Cosmo Jarvis shared that some of the humor came from Ray Mendoza’s experiences, noting, “Even with the seriousness of military protocols, Ray would inject moments of genuine humor.” He asserted that finding joy amidst adversity is fundamental to the human experience. “In a high-stakes environment, it’s crucial to find reasons to smile,” he remarked.
Additionally, Joseph Quinn highlighted that their off-camera moments were filled with laughter: “Despite exploring sensitive subjects, we found joy in working together. Collaborating with such talented, charismatic individuals turned the challenging aspects into enjoyable experiences.”
Warfare is set to hit theaters on April 11. Don’t miss this compelling depiction of brotherhood, survival, and the human spirit under duress.