Netflix premiered “War Machine” on Friday, an action-packed science fiction film featuring Alan Ritchson that poses an intriguing military scenario: What if the final phase of U.S. Army Ranger selection involved battling a colossal alien robot?
Directed by Patrick Hughes, “War Machine” showcases a group of Ranger candidates pushing through the grueling selection phase when their routine training takes an unexpected turn with the discovery of a mysterious craft hidden in the woods. This aircraft reveals itself to be an alien vessel, transforming into a formidable mechanical predator that begins to hunt the soldiers.
For veterans viewing the film, the most implausible aspect might not be the alien bot, but rather that the characters do not immediately question if this scenario is part of their training. Military experience often leads soldiers to view various challenges in the field as training exercises—be it feeling lost, hungry, or exhausted; such circumstances might prompt thoughts of it being another drill. In a setting where an alien machine emerges, at least one candidate would likely wonder, “Is this graded?”
Ritchson portrays a soldier nicknamed “81,” a moniker that resonates with the kind of experiences that can redefine a soldier’s identity during challenging training periods. Ritchson embodies a character with a powerful physique and a stoic intensity reminiscent of his breakout role in the “Reacher” series. This time around, he faces not just criminals or corrupt leaders, but a colossal alien war machine.
Critics have likened the film to a combination of “Predator” and “Transformers,” suggesting that while its storyline may not garner critical acclaim, its explosive visuals and effects might. The narrative shifts swiftly into a survival mode as the soldiers must navigate unusual terrain while being hunted by an elusive foe. Their primary objective becomes staying alive long enough to devise a way to destroy the menacing machine.
The film is straightforward in its storytelling and does not pretend otherwise. “War Machine” opts for a raw approach, avoiding lengthy discourses on military ethics or global implications. Instead, it centers on the urgency of survival with characters who run, hide, and shoot, interspersed with debates about the nature of the alien threat.
In many respects, the film can resemble a live-action video game, with the group tackling a series of encounters as they seek out the alien machine’s vulnerabilities. Ritchson’s character eventually assumes the critical role of experimenting with various methods to incapacitate the monster, using whatever resources they can muster.
While “War Machine” presents its final exercise as a chaotic struggle for survival, it contrasts starkly with real-life training environments that are far more organized. Ranger selection is meticulously designed to test soldiers through strenuous conditions without the added sensationalism of an extraterrestrial battleground.
The film may not achieve perfection and at times may induce a cringe, yet it effectively asks a compelling question: How would soldiers, trained for demanding field exercises, apply their skills in the face of an alien invasion?
According to “War Machine,” the response would be systematic—formulating a plan, initiating action, and leaving some to wonder if their performance was being evaluated.
With its blend of action and a touch of humor, “War Machine” offers a distinctive take on the military film genre, showcasing not just the thrills of combat, but also the unique camaraderie among soldiers facing the unknown. The film stands as a reminder that sometimes the greatest battles—be they against earthly threats or imaginary foes—reveal unyielding human resilience.