Coming to Netflix on November 25, ‘The Mosquito Bowl’ tells the real-life story of four top college stars who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The film stars Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson, and Tom Francis, and is directed by Peter Berg. Related Article: Nicholas Galitzine to Star as Supermodel Hoyt Richards for Gus Van Sant Initial Thoughts War movies done right are always devastating because you often find yourself connecting with…
Coming to Netflix on November 25, ‘The Mosquito Bowl’ tells the real-life story of four top college stars who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The film stars Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson, and Tom Francis, and is directed by Peter Berg. Related Article: Nicholas Galitzine to Star as Supermodel Hoyt Richards for Gus Van Sant Initial Thoughts War movies done right are always devastating because you often find yourself connecting with… (L to R) Ray Nicholson as Tony Butkovich, Tom Francis as Dave Schreiner, Bill Skarsgård as Bob Bauman, and Nicholas Galitzine as John McLaughry in ‘The Mosquito Bowl’. Photo: Kane Skennar / Netflix © 2026.
Coming to Netflix on November 25, ‘The Mosquito Bowl‘ tells the real-life story of four top college stars who enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The film stars Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson, and Tom Francis, and is directed by Peter Berg.
Related Article: Nicholas Galitzine to Star as Supermodel Hoyt Richards for Gus Van Sant
Initial Thoughts
(L to R) Tom Francis as Dave Schreiner and Ray Nicholson as Tony Butkovich in ‘The Mosquito Bowl’. Photo: Kane Skennar / Netflix © 2026.
War movies done right are always devastating because you often find yourself connecting with the young men and women on screen only to have them either lose their lives or come out of the war with physical and emotional scars. ‘The Mosquito Bowl’ is no different.
While it features some truly incredible cinematography, the battle sequences are ones that will stick with viewers for a very long time. They never shy away from the reality of war, and knowing that these four young men that are promintently featured in the movie really volunteered when they could have gone on to have successful football careers is heartbreaking.
Story and Direction
(L to R) Tom Francis as Dave Schreiner and director Peter Berg ‘The Mosquito Bowl’. Photo: Kane Skennar / Netflix © 2026.
Based on Buzz Bissinger’s 2022 bestselling book, which is written about a real-life story, ‘The Mosquito Bowl’ brings the horrors of war to the screen. From the very opening scene it is clear that this movie is going to be heartwrenching. It is a difficult watch because of the realities being shown. Limbs are blown-off and lives are completely destroyed throughout this movie.
That said, the quieter moments bring a bit of light to the story. When the men get to forget where they are and just enjoy playing football, something that made them all so happy, it is impossible not to smile. To see them get to just be kids again, because let’s be honest, they were so young, is special. But it makes what follows that much more devastating.
(L to R) Peter Berg (Director) and Tom Francis on the set of ‘The Mosquito Bowl’. Photo: Kane Skennar / Netflix © 2026.
Director Peter Berg does a brilliant job of showcasing both the horrific time at war and the genuinely fun football moments. It gives viewers a little bit of whiplash, but it is important to show the happy moments that are woven so beautifully into the horrific ones.
These men were changed when they went to war, which is to be expected, and this was shown perfectly through their arcs and the actors performances.
Cast and Performances
(L to R) Nicholas Galitzine, Tom Francis, Bill Skarsgård and Ray Nicholson on the set of ‘The Mosquito Bowl’. Photo: Kane Skennar / Netflix © 2026.
A movie like ‘The Mosquito Bowl’ does not work without the right cast. Nicholas Galitzine, Tom Francis, Bill Skarsgård and Ray Nicholson were the perfect choices to play these four young men who gave up their potential careers to fight for their country. When you realize they were not drafted, but rather went of their own volition, the story gets a much deeper meaning.
All four knew each other, because they played football with and against each other. There were rivalries on the football field that melted away through their time together on the battle field, which is equal parts inspiring and heartbreaking.
These four actors bring these young men to life so brilliantly throughout the film. They showcase the different personalities, but also the camaraderie and brotherhood they all end up forming. The final moments of this film are sure to bring a tear to anyone’s eye.
Final Thoughts
(L to R) Nicholas Galitzine as John McLaughry and Ray Nicholson as Tony Butkovich in ‘The Mosquito Bowl’. Photo: Kane Skennar / Netflix © 2026.
From epic battles to the quieter moments, ‘The Mosquito Bowl’ brings the tragedy and sacrifice that changed these young men. It is a difficult movie to watch because of the subject matter, but an important one. It should serve as a reminder of the effect that war has on us as humans, and as a warning that none of us want to go back to that place.
‘The Mosquito Bowl’ boasts career-best lead performances, incredible cinematography, and an emotional story that is sure to stick with audiences for a long time to come.
‘The Mosquito Bowl’ receives a score of 95 out of 100.
‘The Mosquito Bowl’ will release in theaters on October 30th.
What is the plot of ‘The Mosquito Bowl’?
After Pearl Harbor, four star college footballers join the Marines. Before facing Okinawa’s invasion, they participate in a historic game with legendary players – for many, their final match.
Who is in the cast of ‘The Mosquito Bowl’?
Nicholas Galitzine as John McLaughry
Bill Skarsgård as Bob Bauman
Ray Nicholson as Tony Butkovich
Tom Francis as Dave Schreiner
Director Peter Berg with the cast of ‘The Mosquito Bowl’. Photo: Kane Skennar / Netflix © 2026.
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