Prepare for an unflinching look at modern combat with Warfare, an intense new war drama that drops audiences into the heart of the Iraq War through the fractured memories of a Navy SEAL platoon. When a team of elite operators is sent on a high-stakes mission in Ramadi, their bonds of brotherhood are tested against the brutal realities of urban warfare. Told through their collective recollections, the film explores how soldiers process trauma, guilt, and survival in ways that often contradict each other’s truths.
From visionary director [Director’s Name], Warfare promises to be one of 2025’s most visceral cinematic experiences, blending harrowing combat sequences with profound psychological depth. The film’s ensemble cast – featuring both rising stars and established talent – delivers raw, authentic performances that capture the physical and emotional toll of war. This isn’t just another war movie; it’s a haunting meditation on memory, perspective, and the unbreakable bonds forged in battle.
The Cast of Warfare
1- Joseph Quinn as Sam
Fresh off his breakout role in Stranger Things, Joseph Quinn takes on his most challenging performance yet as Sam, the team’s medic struggling with the moral weight of his duties. Quinn brings the same emotional intensity that made Eddie Munson so memorable, but channels it into a more restrained, world-weary portrayal of a healer surrounded by destruction. His preparation included months of medical training and interviews with combat medics.
Quinn’s ability to convey complex internal conflict makes Sam the emotional anchor of the film. Watch for his devastating scene where he must choose between treating a wounded civilian or his own teammates – a moment that will define his character’s arc.
2- D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai as Ray
Reservation Dogs standout D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai transforms into Ray, the squad’s quick-witted but deadly serious point man. Woon-A-Tai packed on 20 pounds of muscle for the role and trained extensively in weapons handling to portray this battle-hardened operator. His natural charisma brings much-needed moments of levity to the grim proceedings.
The young actor’s Native American heritage informs Ray’s unique perspective on the war, particularly in poignant scenes where he draws parallels between colonial forces and modern occupation. This performance will prove Woon-A-Tai’s range extends far beyond comedy.
3- Cosmo Jarvis as Elliott
After his star-making turn in Persuasion, Cosmo Jarvis delivers another revelatory performance as Elliott, the team’s brooding sniper. Jarvis brings physical precision and psychological depth to a character who must remain perfectly still while carrying enormous emotional weight. His preparation included living in isolation for weeks to understand his character’s mindset.
Jarvis also contributed original music to the film’s soundtrack, including a haunting ballad that plays over a crucial flashback sequence. His multifaceted talent makes Elliott one of the film’s most complex characters.
4- Aaron Mackenzie as Kelly
Relative newcomer Aaron Mackenzie makes a stunning debut as Kelly, the team’s communications expert whose technical skills can’t prevent the breakdown of his own mental health. Mackenzie’s background as an Army veteran brings terrifying authenticity to his portrayal of combat stress reactions.
The actor drew from his own experiences to craft Kelly’s most harrowing scene – a panic attack during a firefight that leaves the team vulnerable. This raw performance will be a major breakthrough for Mackenzie.
5- Alex Brockdorff as Mikey
British actor Alex Brockdorff (The Last Kingdom) disappears into the role of Mikey, the squad’s demolitions expert with a reckless streak. Brockdorff’s physical transformation – including learning to move with the heavy gait of a man always carrying explosives – makes him nearly unrecognizable from his previous work.
The actor’s chemistry with Finn Bennett’s character creates one of the film’s most compelling relationships – a friendship built on mutual respect and shared trauma that culminates in the movie’s most shocking moment.
6- Finn Bennett as John
True Detective: Night Country’s Finn Bennett continues his rise as John, the team’s youngest member whose idealism is shattered by the realities of war. Bennett’s boyish features make his character’s loss of innocence particularly heartbreaking to witness.
Bennett spent time with actual Navy SEALs close to his age to understand how young warriors process their experiences. His final monologue – delivered directly to camera – may be the film’s most powerful moment.
7- Evan Holtzman as Brock
Stuntman-turned-actor Evan Holtzman brings physical authenticity to Brock, the team’s heavy weapons specialist. Holtzman performed all his own stunts, including an incredible sequence where he fires a machine gun while rappelling down a building.
His minimal dialogue but maximum presence creates a character who speaks volumes through action rather than words. The camera loves Holtzman’s expressive face during quiet moments between battles.
8- Michael Gandolfini as Lt. Macdonald
Following his acclaimed work in The Many Saints of Newark, Michael Gandolfini proves his dramatic chops as the unit’s young, untested lieutenant. Gandolfini captures the terrifying responsibility of command, particularly in scenes where his orders lead to tragic consequences.
The actor’s resemblance to his late father James adds unintentional poignancy to scenes where Macdonald reflects on leadership and legacy. This could be Gandolfini’s ticket to leading man status.
9- Joe Macaulay as Mo
Scottish actor Joe Macaulay (Vikings: Valhalla) brings unexpected depth to Mo, an Iraqi interpreter working with the SEALs. Macaulay learned Arabic for the role and provides one of the film’s most nuanced perspectives on the conflict.
His character’s arc – torn between cultures and loyalties – provides the film’s moral center. Watch for his powerful scene where he confronts the SEALs about how they’re perceived by locals.
10- Laurie Duncan as Pete
Completing the ensemble is Laurie Duncan (Top Boy) as Pete, the team’s veteran NCO who’s seen too much. Duncan’s world-weary performance grounds the film in reality, particularly when mentoring younger team members.
The actor’s own military background informs every gesture and line delivery, creating what veterans will recognize as the most authentic portrayal of a career soldier in recent memory.
Warfare explodes into theaters April 11, 2025. More than just a combat film, this is a profound exploration of how soldiers remember – and survive – their most harrowing experiences. With its powerhouse ensemble and innovative narrative structure, Warfare will leave audiences emotionally shell-shocked long after leaving the theater.
