One Battle After Another

Summary of "One Battle After Another":

Director & Release:
Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another premiered on September 8, 2025, at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, with a global release on September 26, 2025. It marked Anderson's first film in IMAX and his widest theatrical release to date.

Plot & Themes:
The film is a sprawling, action-packed epic blending elements of counterculture rebellion, father-daughter dynamics, and political commentary. It follows Bob Ferguson (Leonardo DiCaprio), a disillusioned stoner activist, and his complex relationship with his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti). The narrative intertwines themes of resistance, power struggles, and the American melting-pot, with references to real-world events like the Weather Underground and fictionalized protests. The film's score, composed by Jonny Greenwood, features the London Contemporary Orchestra and was released by Nonesuch Records.

Critical Reception:

• Rotten Tomatoes: 94% of 412 reviews are positive, with critics praising its "epic screwball adventure" and "awe-inspiring action set pieces."
• Metacritic: 95/100 (universal acclaim).
• Audience Scores: CinemaScore gave it an "A," while PostTrak rated it 4.5/5 stars.
• Notable Praise: Critics highlighted its balance of grand political themes and intimate family drama, with standout performances by DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Chase Infiniti.

Box Office:

• Domestic: $71 million (US/Canada)
• International: $132 million
• Total: $202 million worldwide.
• Opening Weekend: $22 million (best for Anderson), with a 50% drop in its second weekend.

Technical & Cultural Notes:

• Filmed in VistaVision format, with select screenings in IMAX 70 mm and 4DX.
• The film includes a nod to Gil Scott-Heron's "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" as a revolutionary countersign.
• It was dedicated to Adam Somner, Anderson's assistant director and producer, who passed away in November 2024.

Controversies & Context:

• Right-wing critics criticized its sympathetic portrayal of antifascist revolutionaries, especially post-2025 events like the Dallas ICE shooting.
• The film's themes of resistance and societal collapse sparked debates about its political messaging.

Key Cast:

• Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson
• Sean Penn as a fascist antagonist
• Chase Infiniti as Willa Ferguson
• Jon Brion's songs (first collaboration with Anderson since Punch-Drunk Love).

Would you like further details on a specific aspect of the film?