A 2017 war film featuring an Oscar-winning Hollywood A-lister is generating a powerful and divided response from audiences on Netflix, with some viewers left in tears and others branding it a misunderstood gem.
A Star-Studded Satire That Missed the Mark?
The film in question is 'War Machine', a satirical war comedy starring Brad Pitt. Despite the star power of Pitt and an impressive supporting cast including Ben Kingsley, Tilda Swinton, and Topher Grace, the film's initial reception was lukewarm. It launched directly on Netflix on 26 May 2017 and garnered a modest 48% critics score and a 35% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Directed and written by David Michôd, the movie is a fictionalised adaptation of Michael Hastings' non-fiction book, 'The Operators', which chronicled the real-life story of US Army General Stanley McChrystal. The plot follows a charismatic, four-star general, Glenn McMahon (Pitt), whose command of NATO forces in Afghanistan is upended by a journalist's explosive report.
Frustration Versus Acclaim: The Viewer Divide
Initial reviews highlighted a sense of disappointment. One critic echoed the film's own themes, stating: "[Brad] Pitt's General spends most of the flick growing increasingly frustrated that nothing is happening - and I know the feeling." Another bluntly summarised, "War is Hell, but War Machine is frustrating."
However, a strong contingent of viewers now believes the film was ahead of its time. On streaming platforms, many are reappraising it as a sharp and poignant critique. One emotional viewer wrote it was the "first movie to make me tear up in many years," calling it a tragic exploration of American foreign policy.
Another five-star review argued the film has become more relevant, stating: "This movie has become more relevant in 2025 than it did when it first came out... This is an underrated film showing how personality complexes shape foreign policy." Others have praised its "witty and darkly humorous" tone and labelled it a "gem" with a "top flight cast."
Pitt's Personal Investment in the Story
Brad Pitt's motivation for the role was deeply personal. In a 2017 interview, he connected the narrative to the human cost of conflict, saying, "One of the reasons I wanted to make this film is you see young soldiers permanently damaged, mentally and physically." He framed the project as a father's perspective and a call for a truthful assessment of war's impact.
Despite its mixed critical legacy, 'War Machine' is currently available to stream on Netflix, inviting a new wave of subscribers to watch and decide for themselves whether it's a flawed misfire or a profoundly underrated satire that has finally found its moment.
