A modern war film

I saw Warfare in theaters when it was first released and I will be the first to say that I think this movie should have been at least nominated for Best Sound. I was in awe of the concussion force of the explosions, the crack of bullets and the emotion I heard in the men's voices. That is the first thing I think of when I think of this film.

I have since watched it at home and unless you have a top-notch sound system the best part of this film will be lost for you.

Not inspired by real events but a retelling of eyewitness accounts and memories of the men who experienced it Warfare is a war movie that is unlike anything I have seen before. No real main character, no backstory to humanize the SEALs as they fight. Save for a few shots from overhead drones most of the film is shot at eye level. Everything is lit naturally giving everything a visually gritty feeling, you can almost feel the sand in your teeth as they move and fight. Alex Garland knows how to shoot a realistic feeling action movies that involve the viewer in the action and never confuses you.

This movie is more of a collection of facts than a real narrative. Not just the memories of the combatants either. Most of the movie is shot in real time. Actors were instructed and trained that if their weapon jammed they were expected to fix it in real time. The names were changed to protect the privacy of the service members and families.

This movie was entertaining and more of an experience than a film. Not that that's a bad thing. It is just what it is. I enjoyed it but feel no real need to watch it again for a little while.