War Machine – Movie Review | Netflix (3/5)

WAR MACHINE on Netflix is a Sci-Fi Action movie that manages to surprise in a few ways. Mostly through its characters, who are allowed to be vulnerable and traumatized, which is known to be the case for many veterans. Overall, it’s predictable but also very entertaining. As a bonus, the enemy is literally out of this world. Read our full War Machine movie review here!

WAR MACHINE is a Netflix action thriller with a sci-fi plot. In many ways, it delivers everything you would expect, which is good. Especially if you just want to be entertained on a Friday night. Fortunately, for anyone wanting something a little deeper, it also allows for its heroes to have struggles. They deal with trauma and physical injuries, as one would expect, but these are rarely a plot element.

The runtime is 1 hour and 46 minutes, which I expected would be too long. Surprisingly, it isn’t. Mostly because the first half hour is used to introduce the characters. It’s only after this that the sci-fi element becomes a key plot driver. And sure, you will virtually be able to say the lines ahead of the characters in several instances, but this predictability ensures a more “comfortable” entertainment.

Continue reading our War Machine movie review below. Find it on Netflix from March 6, 2026.

An enemy from beyond this world

War Machine begins as a very classic action movie set in the world of soldiers. We follow a group of soldiers from all walks of life and military branches as they try to become rangers. As their final mission begins, something strange happens that clearly is not part of any test. Now, they’ll have to use all they’ve learn (both in their recent training and former careers) to survive.

That’s the simple plot description, which I will say is made much better by two facts. First, the main protagonist is an older soldier who is deeply traumatized and struggles with physical injuries as well. Second, he may be a human machine, but his peers are not impressed by his refusal to be part of the team.

Usually, the quiet and strong type is celebrated, but when you’re part of a team, this is never good.

Also, and at least as important, the enemy is from beyond this world, so while we follow American soldiers (isn’t that always the case?!), this is a global struggle, where we need to work together to beat a foreign enemy. In this very tense climate, War Machine does the only right thing: Focus on how we can be stronger and better when we work together, instead of fighting and starting wars.

How will you see this?

I can easily imagine that War Machine could be accused of both being woke and of being made for a war and violence-loving audience. Both can be true (or false) at the same time. Sure, the group that makes up the final recruits is diverse in a way that will make some people cry woke and say it’s full of DEI choices. The group is mostly white men, but there are women and men of color as well.

On the other hand, this is very much about strength through violence… on the surface. However, right underneath this, you’ll have to recognize that the soldiers have no weapons as they were out on a training exercise. Instead, they will need to use their brains at least as much as brawn. And they must work together.

I loved this part of War Machine, and it’s what I feel gives it an extra edge. This is character-driven, while being unapologetically an action movie. With a sci-fi plot to work against hatred amongst nations on Earth.

Who would actually lead the fight now?

Finally, and this I can’t really argue against, there is the notion that the U.S. will lead the battle for the entire planet. However, this is not something that resonates with many countries or populations around the world right now. People worldwide have gotten the message of “America first” loud and clear, not least after seeing it in action this past year.

I grew up watching these movies about American soldiers who step up when everything goes sideways. And I believed it. Actually, my own mother has been on missions supporting U.S. soldiers, when my native Denmark has fought alongside the USA. Right now, however, that part of War Machine was probably the least believable element.

I can relate better to the idea of an alien invasion than have faith that the US would stand with the rest of the world. I just hear “America First” in my head, and figure: Well, no need to ask them to join, as it’s clearly up to the rest of us to ensure the plant (including the USA) will survive this ordeal.

Isn’t that sad?

Watch War Machine on Netflix

War Machine comes from the Australian-born filmmaker Patrick Hughes (The Hitman’s Bodyguard). He also came up with the story and co-wrote the screenplay with James Beautfort. Currently in pre-production by this team is The Raid. Yes, based on the concept from Gareth Evans‘ 2011 movie. Whether it will ever move on from pre-production remains to be seen.

Writer James Beautfort is also part of the cast as recruit 23, so if you pay attention, you’ll see him in the film.

The cast of War Machine is led by Alan Ritchson (Reacher, Ghosts of War) as 81, and he is a beast of a man, who is perfectly cast in this role. Both in his physicality and the character’s emotional edge. Also in key roles are Stephan James (Night Always Comes), Jai Courtney (Dangerous Animals), Dennis Quaid, Esai Morales, Blake Richardson, Alex King, Keiynan Lonsdale, and Daniel Webber.

Overall, this is solid entertainment with a nice plot that can clearly continue into a sequel. Or maybe even two. At least.

WAR MACHINE will be released on Netflix on March 6, 2026.

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Details

Director: Patrick Hughes
Screenplay: Patrick Hughes, James Beaufort
Cast: Alan Ritchson, Dennis Quaid, Stephan James, Jai Courtney, Esai Morales, Blake Richardson, Keiynan Lonsdale, Daniel Webber