ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER Is an Award-Worthy Comedic Thrill Ride (Review)

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I have to admit, the trailers for *One Battle After Another* really threw me for a loop. One minute it seemed like a wacky, over-the-top comedy, the next a gripping thriller. And honestly? Both impressions were right. This is a Paul Thomas Anderson film through and through – a truly unique blend of humor, action, political intrigue, and surprisingly, family dynamics. It reminded me a lot of *Boogie Nights* in terms of its overall vibe and ambition. It’s a film only he could pull off.

The movie really hits its stride in the second half, and from then on, it’s a wild ride. I found myself genuinely laughing out loud, but also feeling deeply unsettled about where the story was going. What’s remarkable is that it’s funny *even* during the most serious, tense, and emotional scenes – it doesn’t rely on simple comedic breaks. Paul Thomas Anderson (PTA) has a unique talent for mixing genres, and this film showcases that skill better than anything he’s done before.

This film is a stunning display of directing skill. Many believe the director, who hasn’t yet won an Oscar, is a strong contender next year, and rightfully so. While the movie itself has some script and pacing issues, the direction is flawless. It’s a brilliant performance from a director at the peak of their powers. The action is perfectly executed, and even simple scenes, like people walking, are filled with energy. Surprisingly, even the more unusual, almost comical scenes are equally captivating and lively.

The film *One Battle After Another* boasts a fantastic soundtrack and editing. The music and quick cuts brilliantly capture the movie’s chaotic and intense energy, enhancing every scene.

The story centers around the French 75, a radical anarchist group, and its charismatic but volatile leader, Perfidia Beverly Hills, powerfully portrayed by Teyana Taylor. Her performance is captivating, showcasing both fierce conviction and eventual remorse, and could be a breakout role. The film begins after a raid gone wrong forces the group to disband. This leads to a desperate flight by Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio) with their child, whose paternity is uncertain – it could be his, or that of Steven J. Lockjaw, a white nationalist soldier played by Sean Penn. Penn delivers a truly chilling performance as Lockjaw, a repulsive and self-serving character who has the potential to become a legendary villain, and could very well earn him an Oscar alongside director Paul Thomas Anderson next year.

Like the rest of the film, the supporting cast is fantastic. Benicio del Toro is particularly impressive as the martial arts teacher of Bob’s teenage daughter, Willa (played by Chase Infiniti). He brings a powerful presence to the film despite its generally loud and chaotic energy. In the standout scene – a tense and unnecessary immigration raid on a small town – Del Toro commands the screen with subtle expressions, making it one of his best performances to date.

Despite playing a character in a difficult situation, Infinity shines and holds her own alongside more well-known actors. Given her personal background and the role of ‘Willa,’ it would have been easy to deliver a flat performance, but Infinity brings genuine teenage energy to the part. She grounds the film in reality, making even its most fantastical moments feel believable.

DiCaprio gives a truly hilarious performance, arguably the funniest of his career. It took me a while to accept him as such a flawed character, similar to his role in *Killers of the Flower Moon*, but I eventually did. His character, Bob, is both pathetic and endearing, making him someone you genuinely want to support. These qualities are essential to the film’s success, particularly in its pointed critique of American hypocrisy.

The film, *One Battle After Another*, explores themes of racism and flawed leadership in America. It focuses on those who strive for change but struggle with how to achieve it, and how easily people abandon their beliefs when faced with difficulty. Ultimately, the movie is a reflection on our values and the way we live. While it feels relevant to today’s political climate, its message goes deeper than current events. It’s about a long-standing pattern of accepting and then living with injustice, not just the atrocities we see happening now.

I’m still not quite sure what to make of the film, and the ending is a big reason why. It’s a story about deeply flawed characters – some intentionally awful, others well-meaning but ineffective – who struggle to actually make a difference. The movie runs a bit long, especially the slow-paced first hour, and for most of its two hours and forty-two minutes, I genuinely didn’t know where it was headed.

The ending felt disconnected from the rest of the movie, shifting the story’s overall feel in a strange way. It’s hard to say if this change was intentional, and while it might make more sense with further thought and rewatching, it currently prevents me from fully loving the film. It feels like a disappointing conclusion.

Don’t hesitate – go see this movie! And see it on the biggest, best screen possible. I’m still trying to figure out if it’s simply excellent or a true masterpiece, but I can guarantee it delivers everything you hope for in a moviegoing experience. This is what cinema is all about.

One Battle After Another hits theaters on September 26.

One Battle After Another ⭐ (4.5 of 5)

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2025-09-24 21:06