The final recruits of the ranger selection course put up against an otherworldly machine that hunts them down.
Standard Hollywood recipe, made in Australia.
So… writer James Beaufort and co-writer-director Patrick Hughes’ film arrives with all the familiar hallmarks of the modern military action spectacle: elite soldiers, brutal training sequences, shadowy threats, and a hero whose reputation precedes him. The film clearly draws inspiration from classics such as Predator (1987), and not particularly subtly. Certain shots and staging choices almost feel like visual nods to that iconic film, though War Machine ultimately follows its own, far more conventional path.
The training sequences, which appear to take inspiration from the harsh realities of Ranger-style selection courses, aim for realism but never quite achieve it. Rapid editing, constant standard action music, and a somewhat formulaic presentation prevent the audience from truly feeling immersed in the physical and psychological intensity of the training itself. Instead of experiencing the exhaustion and pressure alongside the recruits, viewers are “urged” to sit back and enjoy their popcorn as they watch a carefully constructed montage. Protracted tracking shots and emphasis on diegetic sound (natural sound) would have changed that.
Speaking of, that reliance on music becomes a recurring issue throughout the film. Rather than allowing tension, drama, or character moments to breathe, the soundtrack frequently steps in to instruct the audience on how they should feel at any given moment.
Still, the film benefits greatly from the presence of Alan Ritchson, who delivers a solid and convincing performance as the central figure – “81.” He carries the physical and emotional weight of the role with confidence. The script, however, insists on reinforcing his legendary status through other characters repeatedly telling us how remarkable he is. Dennis Quaid, playing Sheridan, pushes this especially hard, praising the hero so persistently in the end that the myth-building starts to feel forced. Like, shoved down your throat.
The result is a hero’s journey that follows the narrative textbook almost too faithfully. Every expected beat appears exactly where one would anticipate it, giving the impression that the filmmakers were determined to tick Joseph Campbell’s every structural box.
Yet despite these narrative shortcomings, Netflix’s War Machine remains entertaining. The action sequences are genuinely well-executed, energetic, and plentiful. If one approaches the film less as a character-driven drama and more as a straightforward action ride, there is plenty to enjoy.
An interesting off-screen note highlights another aspect of the industry’s impact. According to IMDb, filming in Victoria, Australia, generated over 2,100 local jobs and contributed roughly $73 million to the regional economy – one of the quieter but significant benefits of large-scale film production beyond the spectacle seen on screen.
P.S. The sequel is in development.
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Solidarity for all the innocent lives that suffer the atrocities of war!
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