Warfare Debuts on HBO Max, Bringing Alex Garland’s Combat Drama to Streamers

Lead A24’s visceral war film Warfare begins streaming on HBO Max today, dropping viewers into a claustrophobic Navy SEAL mission set during the 2006 Battle of Ramadi.

Nut Graf Directed by Alex Garland and co-directed by Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza, Warfare recreates a real-time firefight with unflinching technical precision and minimal exposition, offering audiences an immersive, anti-glorification experience that has earned critical acclaim.

Streaming Update

• Warfare arrives on HBO Max on September 12, 2025, marking the second new A24 title of the month alongside holiday favorites.
• Subscribers can watch on demand without additional fees.

Film Overview The film follows SEAL platoon Alpha One as they occupy a residential compound in Ramadi under cover of darkness, only to be ambushed by insurgents. Shot in real time and based on Mendoza’s firsthand account, the narrative unfolds with no musical score and sparse dialogue, heightening the tension and realism.

Critical Reception Critics have praised the film’s immersive sound design and stark portrayal of modern combat, noting its refusal to sugarcoat violence or indulge in patriotic spectacle. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 92% positive rating, while audiences awarded it an A- CinemaScore for its raw intensity.

Viewer Experience

• Immersive Audio: Gunfire and explosions surround viewers with bone-shaking realism.
• Minimalist Style: No character backstories or subplots, focusing solely on soldiers’ survival instincts.
• Emotional Impact: The film’s documentary-like precision elicits both dread and empathy.

Subhead: Why Warfare Matters By stripping away narrative comforts, Warfare forces viewers to confront the visceral chaos of war, challenging conventional Hollywood depictions and sparking discussion about the human cost of combat. Subscribers are encouraged to stream with caution and prepare for an unflinching onslaught of sound and fury.