In anticipation of A24’s highly anticipated new war film, Warfare, directed by the dynamic duo of Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, there are numerous poignant films worth exploring that delve into the complexities of modern warfare. Mendoza, a former U.S. Navy SEAL who served during the Iraq War, previously collaborated with Garland as a military advisor on the dystopian thriller Civil War. Together, they have crafted a film that authentically depicts Mendoza’s firsthand combat experiences, focusing on a real-time Navy SEAL mission in Iraq that reveals the raw chaos of battle.
Warfare has been co-directed by Garland, who manages the technical aspects behind the camera, while Mendoza guides the actors’ performances. The film is receiving critical acclaim, currently holding an impressive 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that it could become a modern classic in the war movie genre. With the U.S. release set for April 11 and the UK premiere for April 18, now is the perfect time to explore similar films and previous works by Garland.
1. Annihilation (2018)
Directed By Alex Garland
Although Annihilation belongs to the science fiction horror genre, its themes resonate closely with those explored in Warfare. Both films feature tightly-knit groups that must rely on one another as they navigate hostile environments. In Warfare, we watch a platoon of Navy SEALs operating in Iraq, whereas Annihilation follows scientists venturing into “The Shimmer,”an isolated area altered by alien influences. Though Annihilation may lack the grounded realism of Warfare, it certainly captures an intense mood that bodes well for the horrors depicted in the latter.
2. The Hurt Locker (2008)
Directed By Kathryn Bigelow
Many films have explored the battlegrounds of World War II and Vietnam, yet few truly focus on the intricacies of modern conflict the way Garland and Mendoza do in Warfare. Regarded as a benchmark of modern war cinema, Kathryn Bigelow’s Academy Award-winning film The Hurt Locker offers a gripping portrayal of a bomb disposal unit in Iraq battling insurgents during the war. While some may debate its realism, the film accurately captures the psychological toll that combat takes on service members, boasting a compelling 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. Ex Machina (2014)
Directed By Alex Garland
Garland’s debut as a director, Ex Machina, may seem a departure from the themes presented in Warfare, but it established his prowess in creating tension and suspenseful narratives. This film intricately explores the relationship dynamics among a computer programmer, his unconventional boss, and an AI that manipulates both sides. Its sharp storytelling lays the groundwork for Garland’s ability to convey intense emotions, a skill he employs effectively in Warfare.
4. Black Hawk Down (2001)
Directed By Ridley Scott
Intent on creating a visceral experience for viewers, Warfare unfolds in real time, eschewing unnecessary plot devices and character development in favor of an unrelenting portrayal of the chaos of war. This approach is reminiscent of Ridley Scott’s Black Hawk Down, which tells the harrowing story of troops stranded in enemy territory following a helicopter crash. The film is a poignant illustration of ground-level combat and remains one of the most effective portrayals of modern warfare.
5. Civil War (2024)
Directed By Alex Garland
Before watching Warfare, one cannot overlook Civil War, Garland’s recent work. Set in a dystopian America embroiled in an unexplained internal conflict, it explores the harsh realities of urban warfare without delving into the political intricacies. Like Warfare, it offers a gripping narrative that immerses viewers in the implications of deep societal division. With Mendoza’s expertise lending authenticity to both films, it’s evident that Warfare aims to elevate the intensity experienced in Civil War, promising an even more impactful representation of combat.
With these films in mind, viewers eager for a deeper understanding of warfare’s complexity can find significant value and compelling stories which pave the way for the release of Warfare.