In this episode, I’m joined by film critic Pedro Lima to break down A24’s Warfare, directed by Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland. This real-time Iraq War film drops you into the chaos and confusion of one fateful night, and Pedro and I dive into what worked, what didn’t, and why it’s already one of my most talked-about films of 2025.
Warfare tells the story of a U.S. Navy SEAL team’s mission on November 19, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq. Co-directed by Garland and Mendoza (who was there), it plays out in real time as a tribute to the soldiers who lived it.
What's The Movie About?
Warfare tells the story of a U.S. Navy SEAL team’s mission on November 19, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq. Co-directed by Garland and Mendoza (who was there), it plays out in real time as a tribute to the soldiers who lived it.
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Chapters
00:00 - Intro
02:45 - Film Critique and Recommendations
05:33 - Discussion on Restorations and Classic Films
07:54 - Wes Anderson and Christopher Nolan Films
11:11 - David Lynch and Twin Peaks
15:34 - Initial Thoughts on Warfare
23:03 - Comparing Warfare to Other War Films
28:02 - Performances in Warfare
32:43 - Criticisms of Warfare
34:15 - Critique on the Film's Tagline and Realism
35:27 - Technical Elements: Direction, Cinematography, and Sound
37:41 - Sound Design and Its Impact
40:08 - Rating the Film
41:33 - Spoiler Warning
42:09 - Impactful Plot Points and Action Scenes
47:08 - Portrayal of Warfare and Its Psychological Effects
53:53 - Ending and Real-Life Connections
57:32 - Final Thoughts and Conversations
Where to Watch Warfare
You can watch Warfare via digital rental platforms and may still be in limited theatrical release through A24.
Where to Find Our Recommendations
Pedro’s Picks:
Little Murders (1971, dir. Alan Arkin) — Available on The Criterion Channel
Four Nights of a Dreamer (dir. Robert Bresson) — Currently streaming on MUBI
My Picks:
The French Dispatch – Streaming on Max
Isle of Dogs – Streaming on Disney+
Doodlebug (Christopher Nolan short) - Available on The Criterion Channel
Following (Christopher Nolan's debut) — On MUBI
Retrograde (Matthew Heineman) — Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu
Where to Follow Me
Where to Follow Pedro
Until next time!