Warfare Discussion with Pedro Lima

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

• 01:01:23 - Podcast Wrap-up and Farewell

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

• Twin Peaks — Coming to MUBI (June 13)

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

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