There’s always a lot of debate over who deserves the title of the “hardest working” band in rock music, but it’s hard to deny that The Warning make one of the strongest cases in the modern scene. The trio of Villarreal sisters - Daniela, Paulina, and Alejandra - have been in constant motion since their viral childhood cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” put them on the map a decade ago. They’ve toured relentlessly, played festival after festival, and dropped two of the most polished, fully-formed rock records in recent memory (ERROR in 2022 and Keep Me Fed just last year). The work ethic is there, the songs are airtight, and the confidence is unshakable. That’s the groundwork for Live From Auditorio Nacional, the band’s first-ever concert film, and their boldest statement yet.

A concert movie is a daunting undertaking for any artist. Even established veterans can struggle to translate the kinetic thrill of live music to a screen, and very few ever attempt wide theatrical releases. For The Warning, three back-to-back sold-out shows at Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional presented the perfect proving ground. This wasn’t just a hometown victory lap. It was a moment that demanded preservation. The film captures one of those nights, and the result is a nearly two-hour feature that places the band’s stagecraft and stamina under the brightest possible spotlight. Spoiler: they more than hold their own.

The movie wastes no time making an impression. A Rorschach-like intro sequence bleeds into stark black-and-white visuals, with the band’s coordinated red outfits searing across the screen as they rip into “Six Feet Deep.” It’s an opening that immediately establishes their theatrical instincts: the red is both strikingly on-theme with their Keep Me Fed era and emblematic of the fiery passion they pour into their music. Stadium-sized riffs fill the theater, the crowd roars every lyric back in both English and Spanish, and from the jump the film makes a convincing case for The Warning as a bona fide arena act.

The stage design is equally ambitious. Towering light panels shift and strobe overhead, while three massive screens highlight each sister individually, ensuring no one fades into the background. Camera work is dynamic and immersive, pulling close into the band’s interplay, then swooping over the audience or diving into the chaos of the pit. You can practically feel the sweat and smoke, the haze of spotlights catching the crowd’s raised hands. A surround-sound mix amplifies it all, letting the sheer volume of the audience wash over you. It’s a smart reminder that this isn’t just about watching The Warning perform; it’s about experiencing the communal high of a packed rock show.

What sets The Warning apart is how effortlessly the sisters balance individual flair with collective unity. All three trade off vocal duties, which not only adds sonic depth but also emphasizes that this isn’t a “frontwoman with backing players” dynamic. Daniela commands the stage with both her voice and her guitar work, Alejandra locks into grooves with swaggering basslines and sharp onstage charisma, while Paulina drives the set with pounding rhythms and fierce energy behind the kit. Their personalities - whether it’s Ale’s constant knee-drops and hair flips, Pau’s unflinching rockstar attitude, or Dany’s soaring solos - each get their due in closeup.

The setlist is a career-spanning showcase, one that flows smoothly between barnburners and quieter, moodier cuts. Songs like “CHOKE” and “MORE” are undeniable highlights, their riffs detonating through the screen, while “Dust to Dust” gives Paulina a spotlight moment with lead vocals. “Satisfied” brings out a Muse-inspired guitar solo from Dany, tipping the hat to her inspo Matt Bellamy, and “Escapism” packs such a filthy bridge riff that it’s impossible not to pull a stank face in your seat. Even with such variety, the confidence behind every transition is what sticks out most. This is a band that has spent years honing every song on the road, and the payoff is electric.

Many concert films try to mix in behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or biographical context, but Live From Auditorio Nacional makes a deliberate choice: pure performance. The nearly two-hour runtime is nothing but The Warning onstage, with no intercut diversions. It’s a bold approach, and it pays off by keeping the focus squarely on their music and showmanship. Only after the final song do we get a brief backstage glimpse, just enough to remind us of the real people behind the larger-than-life personas.

That doesn’t mean the film skimps on variety. At the halfway mark, the visuals slip into black-and-white again as Dany delivers a gorgeous, emotional guitar solo beneath a sea of phone lights. A costume change to the ladies’ alter egos The Wawas adds an extra layer of theatricality as well, complete with POV shots captured via special sunglasses worn by each sister. Later sequences employ split-screen editing that keeps the visuals fresh without breaking the momentum. It’s playful, stylish, and effective, all while reinforcing the sense that this is a full-scale cinematic event, not just a taped gig.

What’s most striking is how the film captures the symbiosis between The Warning and their fans. You see teenagers screaming every lyric, older rock vets headbanging at the barricade, and even the occasional audience member moved from their seat to dance in the aisles. The energy flows both ways - the band feeds off the devotion, the crowd feeds off the riffs, and the cameras make sure you feel plugged into that loop. Mexican pride radiates throughout the performance, with the sisters’ homecoming moment doubling as a celebration of a scene that has historically been underrepresented on the global rock stage.

By the end, it’s impossible to question whether The Warning are “worthy” of a theatrical concert film. They’ve already sold out the venues. They’ve already put in the miles and hours of relentless touring. What Live From Auditorio Nacional does is make that achievement visible to the world, cementing them as a force that transcends novelty or virality. This isn’t a Wikipedia explainer about their rise; it’s proof of concept delivered in riffs, sweat, and unrelenting confidence.

For all their hard work, one hopes the Villarreal sisters eventually carve out a well-earned rest. But Live From Auditorio Nacional makes one thing crystal clear: they’re undeniable. They’ve already conquered Mexico’s most prestigious stage three nights in a row. Now, they’ve conquered the big screen too, and their fans are making sure the whole world knows it.

'The Warning Live from Auditorio Nacional, CDMX' is now playing in theaters.