Warfare movie ‘so true to life’ says Daventry cast member

A former Royal Marine turned actor has spoken of his role in a major new film based on real events during the Iraq war.

Aaron Mackenzie, from Daventry in Northamptonshire, appears as Kelly in Warfare – a movie based on a 2006 mission in the country.

The story follows a US military unit embedded with an Iraqi family.

Speaking about the film’s accuracy to real experiences on the front line, Mr Mackenzie said: “It’s so true to life. Even down to breaking a doorway… we drilled that day in, day out. There wasn’t one point [in the film] where I thought I would do this differently.”

Mr Mackenzie joined the military after the Iraq war in 2012 and trained as a signaller in the marines.

He described his time in the forces as “extremely fun” after travelling the world.

After leaving in 2018, he trained in acting and has since taken roles in theatre and film.

“I lent into that [military] experience,” he said.

“There are a few in the cast who were ex-military and [the filming process] was a great experience.

“As a serviceman, you’re trained to have a steely exterior, to have a stoic persona. But as an actor, you’ve got to be emotional.”

Warfare has been directed by Oscar nominee Alex Garland, whose back catalogue includes the 28 Days film franchise and Ex Machina, and Iraq veteran and film-maker Ray Mendoza.

The cast features actors Will Poulter, Kit Connor, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai and Charles Melton. It is out in cinemas.

Mr Mackenzie said: “The bootcamp [during filming] was reminiscent of [real] training, exercising together, learning together, doing weapon drills and range packages together, building camaraderie.”

He said the method of film-making “created an atmosphere” that “felt really organic”.

Following filming, Mr Mackenzie said he was channelling his experiences into working with children in schools across the Midlands, and he is planning to open his own mental health drama-based workshops.

“What I like to do now is use creativity and art to help children break down emotional barriers. I use drama as a tool,” he said.