Warfare

November 19th, 2006, Ramadi, Iraq – The film opens with the text indicating that Navy SEAL team Alpha One is on a mission in the area, specifically hunting for a group of snipers. We are introduced to the members of Alpha One, who can be found at their base enjoying a brief respite while watching a music video. Among them are communications officer Ray Mendoza, played by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, the Officer in Charge Erik portrayed by Will Poulter, the lead sniper Elliot Miller played by Cosmo Jarvis, gunner Tommy portrayed by Kit Connor, the lead Petty Officer Sam played by Joseph Quinn, and Lieutenant Macdonald portrayed by Michael Gandolfini.

As the day progresses, the team ventures into the village, taking control of a house and relocating the frightened local family to another room. In the morning, the atmosphere intensifies as Alpha One’s snipers maintain vigilance from the upper floors, monitoring the bustling market across the street while Ray coordinates air support. The tension builds as they receive alarming reports from translators, Farid and Noor, who inform the team about a potential jihadist threat in the area. As a precaution, Erik assigns guards to monitor strategic locations within the building. The situation further escalates when sniper Frank spots armed individuals entering a nearby building.

Suddenly, chaos erupts when a grenade is thrown through the sniper hole, injuring Elliot’s hand. This sparks a frantic call for a CASEVAC to evacuate him. Gunfire ensues, compelling Alpha One to respond with their own fire. Under Erik’s guidance, they scramble to gather weapons and prepare Claymore mines as they anticipate the arrival of a Bradley tank for extraction.

Tragedy strikes as the team attempts to board the Bradley, causing a devastating IED explosion that severely injures both Elliot and Sam, leading to panic and chaos. As Sam suffers horrifically, Ray desperately tries to care for him while Erik takes over applying a tourniquet amidst the confusion. With the need for reinforcements pressing on them, they reach out to Alpha Two for support. As the team battles through heavy fire and broken communication channels, McDonald orchestrates strategies to utilize a show of force to secure air support.

Once Alpha Two arrives, led by Jake, he immediately assesses Erik’s condition and takes command, trying to ensure the safety of his men under the threat of further IED attacks. The situation remains tense as they face both insurgents on rooftops and the dire need for medical evacuation. John (played by Finn Bennett), Jake’s communications officer, attempts to impersonate a commanding officer to expedite the evacuation process.

As the gunmen come under severe fire, the Bradleys finally make their way for the evacuation, ensuring Elliot and Sam are safely transported. Meanwhile, Jake orders the other Bradleys to neutralize potential insurgent threats from the upper levels of the house. With everything in motion, the team successfully navigates the streets and covers each other, eventually securing their extraction.

The film concludes with a poignant moment, revealing the aftermath where local families emerged from hiding only after the soldiers departed. The surviving insurgents assess the destruction left behind. Before the credits roll, viewers are treated to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the real SEALs involved in the film, specifically Ray Mendoza and Elliot Miller, showcasing their integral contribution to the production alongside actual photographs of their fellow teammates.

Last Updated: June 11, 2025 at 06:37