One Battle After Another

If you’re into wild, politically charged thrillers with a hefty dose of heart, One Battle After Another might just be your next favorite movie. Directed, written, and produced by Paul Thomas Anderson, this action-packed epic runs a solid 162 minutes and delivers a mix of gritty revolution, family drama, and high-stakes suspense. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti—so yeah, the cast is stacked.

The story centers on Bob, a former revolutionary now living off the grid in a haze of paranoia and weed, trying to raise his fiercely independent daughter, Willa. But when his old nemesis resurfaces and Willa disappears, Bob is forced to confront the wreckage of his past. What follows is a tense and emotional journey through underground resistance networks, corrupt government forces, and a secret society of white supremacists. It’s a father-daughter survival story wrapped in a politically explosive package.

This film is definitely for fans of Anderson’s previous work, especially if you liked the chaotic energy of Inherent Vice or the emotional depth of There Will Be Blood. It’s also a must-see for anyone who enjoys complex characters, layered storytelling, and a bit of social commentary with their action. The movie doesn’t shy away from heavy themes—expect a mix of revolutionary politics, family betrayal, and the consequences of past choices.

Visually, it’s a stunner. Shot on 35mm VistaVision and released in formats like IMAX and Dolby Vision, the cinematography by Michael Bauman is immersive and dynamic. The score, composed by Jonny Greenwood and featuring tracks by Jon Brion, adds a haunting, emotional layer that sticks with you.

Critics have been loving it—95% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 95 on Metacritic, with many calling it Anderson’s most entertaining and thematically rich film yet. Audiences are also on board, giving it an “A” CinemaScore and high marks on PostTrak.

That said, if you’re not into long movies or politically charged narratives, this might not be your thing. Some viewers have found the plot a bit scattered and the themes a little on-the-nose. But if you’re up for a bold, ambitious ride with emotional stakes and explosive action, One Battle After Another delivers.