WARFARE

When I heard that this film was described as the “most realistic war combat movie ever made” I rolled my eyes. I’m not a fan of the war genre and I was expecting it to be an onslaught of pointless violence, gratuitous k*ll shots, and crude banter. Instead, it absolutely exceeded my expectations. Based on the true story of an American Navy SEAL squad in Ramadi, Iraq, in 2006, it portrays the nightmarish consequences of their evacuation attempt from a local residence. Co-writer Ray Mendoza, an Iraq veteran, crafted the film from his memories and the experiences of those who served alongside him. The first hour is filled with uncomfortable tension as the soldiers monotonously wait for something to happen. A palpable energy keeps you on edge, hinting that something frenetic is just around the corner … and then all hell breaks loose. What sets this film apart is its expert use of sound. With no music to distract, it immerses you in each scene through intense environmental audio, punctuating moments of silence with a force that hits you deep in the chest and takes your breath away. Realistic acting and masterful cinematography round out the whole viewing experience. War is ultimately pointless but this film is phenomenal. Shocking and visceral, its impact lingers long after the credits roll. See it in the cinema to do the sound justice and to watch it as intended. Oscar worthy.